Afghanistan Hold Japan 0–0 in Brazil, Eight Months After 6–0 Asian Cup Defeat

São José dos Pinhais, Brazil

Afghanistan held Japan to a 0–0 draw at the Futsal Nations Cup in Brazil on Thursday, 15 October, producing a markedly different result from their 6–0 defeat against the same opponents in February’s Asian Cup quarter-finals.

The Group B match at Arena Max Rosenmann in São José dos Pinhais ended without either side scoring, giving Afghanistan a point in their opening fixture of the six-nation competition.

Japan entered the match after drawing 2–2 with Peru. Their second successive draw left them without a victory from their two group matches.

For Afghanistan, the clean sheet was particularly significant given the teams’ previous meeting.

Japan had scored five second-half goals in their Asian Cup quarter-final victory in Jakarta. Eight months later, Afghanistan prevented the Japanese attack from finding a breakthrough.

According to Japanese futsal publication SAL, Japan created several scoring opportunities but also faced dangerous Afghan counterattacks.

Japanese goalkeeper Yuji Sekiguchi was required to make an important save around the tenth minute, while a defender cleared another threatening situation near goal.

Japan came close to scoring in the second half when Kai Ryoto struck the post in the 27th minute.

The Japanese team also attempted a late power play, replacing their goalkeeper with an additional outfield attacker, but the match remained goalless.

The result does not erase Afghanistan’s heavy Asian Cup defeat, nor does it establish that the balance between the teams has permanently changed.

It does, however, provide a measurable improvement in the scoreline and defensive outcome against an opponent who had overwhelmed Afghanistan earlier in the year.

Afghanistan’s next scheduled Group B match was against Peru on 16 October. The result of that fixture would determine their final group position and subsequent tournament route.

Sources: SAL, 16 October 2026; AFC, 3 February 2026.