The young Afghan squad defeated regional powerhouse Iran 2–1 in a tense, emotional final marked by skill, discipline, and controversy.
Manama| By Sayer Zaland
When the final whistle blew inside the Isa Sports Hall in Manama, a burst of joy erupted from the Afghan bench. Players in red and white jerseys fell to the floor in disbelief, their eyes fixed on the scoreboard: Afghanistan 2 – Iran 1.
For the first time in history, Afghanistan’s U-17 national futsal team was crowned Asian champions, a victory that resonated far beyond the walls of the Bahraini arena, symbolizing the rise of a new generation of Afghanistan sportmen.
A Match of Skill and Nerves
The final, played before a passionate crowd on October 30, 2025, was a contest of speed, precision, and emotion. Iran, a 13-time senior Asian champion and the region’s futsal powerhouse, entered as clear favorites. But Afghanistan’s young side, molded through months of disciplined training, had other plans.
The first half saw Afghanistan take the lead through a well-executed counterattack finished by captain Ahmad Rasikh, whose calm left-footed shot found the corner. Iran equalized early in the second half through Ali Rahimi, converting after a defensive lapse.
With five minutes left, Mohammad Sadiq Noori produced the decisive moment, a curling shot that deflected off a defender and beat the Iranian goalkeeper, sparking wild celebrations among the Afghan supporters in the hall.
Tension on the Court
The final minutes were heated. Iranian players and coaching staff protested several referee decisions, and the match briefly paused after an altercation when an Iranian substitute pushed an Afghan player near the sideline. Security and match officials intervened quickly to restore order.
AFC observers later confirmed that the incident would be reviewed, but the match resumed without further disruption. Afghan captain Rasikh called on his teammates to “stay focused, not furious.”
“We came here to play football, not to fight,” he said afterward. “Our victory is through effort, not anger.”
Watching courtside was Afghan journalist Firooz Mashoof, who provided live updates for fans back home. “When that final goal went in, I could hear the sound of pride from thousands of kilometers away,” he said. “Every Afghan watching felt this win in their heart. It was more than a match; it was a moment of identity and belief.”
Head coach Abdul Rahman Hamdard credited his team’s discipline for the triumph. “Iran is one of Asia’s finest, but our boys played with heart and focus,” he said. “This win belongs to every young Afghan who dreams with a ball at their feet.”
A Golden Moment for Afghan Sport
Afghanistan’s path to the title was remarkable: victories over Uzbekistan, Bahrain, China, and Thailand led to the showdown with Iran. The team finished the tournament unbeaten, showcasing tactical maturity and collective spirit.
The Asian U-17 Futsal Championship, hosted by Bahrain from October 23 to 30, featured eight national teams divided into two groups. For Afghanistan, this was not only their first-ever Asian title but also their first gold medal in any continental team sport.
Officials from the Afghanistan Football Federation (AFF) and the Afghanistan Sports Journalists Federation (ASJF) hailed the achievement as a “historic milestone” for the nation’s sport. “This victory proves that Afghan youth, despite challenges, can compete and triumph at the highest level,” the AFF said in a statement.
Afghanistan’s coach, Abdul Rahman Hamdard, praised his players for keeping their composure under pressure. “Iran is one of the world’s best futsal nations, but our boys showed maturity beyond their age,” he said. “They respected the game, respected their opponents, and earned this title with dignity.”
The final whistle triggered tears, embraces, and flags waving high. Some players kneeled in prayer, others hugged their coaches, while fans inside the venue chanted “Afghanistan Zindabad.”
Beyond the Trophy
The 2025 Asian U-17 Futsal Championship, hosted by Bahrain from October 23 to 30, featured eight nations competing in two groups. Afghanistan’s triumph is its first-ever continental title at any age level, underscoring the steady rise of futsal in the country.
Back home, social media was flooded with congratulatory messages. From Kabul to Herat and Mazar, children could be seen kicking plastic balls in narrow streets, shouting the names of their new heroes.
As the young champions lifted the gold medals high, their smiles reflected something larger than victory, the power of sport to unify, heal, and inspire a nation still searching for joy through its youth.
This feature reminded me why sports journalism matters. It’s not just about reporting matches or scores — it’s about finding humanity in forgotten corners of our country. Sayer Zaland’s piece captured every detail with respect and emotion. You can feel the wind, the dust, the silence, and then the joy of a small boy whose story became the heartbeat of Afghanistan for a few days. We need more writing like this — stories that make us remember who we are and what dreams still live among us.
When I read this story, I didn’t just see a boy playing football; I saw a mirror of our generation. We grow up in uncertainty, yet we still chase something better. The author beautifully showed how one 27-second video can carry a nation’s hope. Every sentence was alive with feeling, especially the way the article linked Usman’s journey to the idea of national renewal. As a reader and as an Afghan, I felt proud.
As someone who has trained kids in Badghis, this story touched me deeply. The conditions described are real, cracked fields, torn balls, barefoot practice, yet the love of football never dies. The article shows how much potential our rural children have if only they’re given attention. I hope this story inspires the Afghanistan Football Federation and the government to search for more Usmans across the country. There are thousands of them.
The moment I finished reading, I went back and watched the original video again. It’s amazing how the article brings that short clip to life, the smell of dust, the sound of the ball, the silence before he starts playing. This is not just a report; it’s a tribute to every Afghan child who plays with what they have. Thank you, ASJF News, for writing something so human.
The structure and language of this article are outstanding. It reads like a novel but remains factual. The writer’s ability to weave emotion with journalism shows real skill. The way the article closes, with the image of another barefoot boy tying his sandals, that’s pure poetry. It leaves readers hopeful yet thoughtful. This piece should be translated into Dari and Pashto so that every Afghan can read it.
As a coach, I see so many young players with the same hunger and discipline as Usman. What impressed me most about this article is the attention to detail, from his training schedule to his emotional reactions. It’s rare to see sports stories written with such accuracy and respect. I hope this article motivates local clubs to scout more village talent.
As a Journalism student, I liked how the article followed Usman’s journey step by step — from the dusty field to Kabul, and then to Herat. It gave us the full picture, not just a viral moment. It showed how community, family, and institutions can work together when hope is shared. For once, Afghanistan was in the news for something positive, and that’s because of journalists like you.”
As an Afghan living abroad, this story gave me tears and pride at the same time. It reminded me of the childhood we all had — making balls from socks and dreaming under broken lights. The writer captured not just Usman’s spirit but the entire Afghan reality: struggle mixed with unbreakable hope. Thank you for reminding us that Afghanistan still dreams, and sport is its purest language.
این مقاله واقعاً شاهکار ژورنالیزم ورزشی است. نوشته با احساس، دقیق و پر از امید. وقتی خواندم، احساس کردم در همان زمین خشک بادغیس ایستادهام و توپ را میبینم که با هر ضربه، زندگی میسازد. ممنون از ASJF و نویسنده محترم،زلاند، که صدای کودکان روستا را به جهان رساندید.
دا رپوټ ډېر ژور احساس لري. د ماشوم له یوه ویډیو څخه یو ملت الهام اخلي. دا یوازې د فوتبال کیسه نه ده، دا د افغانستان د زړه کیسه ده. بارکالله لیکوال ته چې د خاورې له منځه امید راویست.
As a youth coach, I can say this article is both emotional and technical. The writer understands football and village life perfectly. Every paragraph teaches respect, patience, and faith. Pieces like this should be read in Afghan schools, they motivate our next generation.
The thing I loved most about this story is its honesty. No exaggeration, no politics, just truth and humanity. It shows that journalism can still inspire people, even in difficult times.
There are many kids like Usman in every Afghan village, talented, unseen, and full of hope. This article reminded us that dreams still live on. Thank you ASJF News for showing the world a son of Badghis.
I really appreciate how the writer didn’t just report the viral video but followed the full journey, from the dusty field in Badghis to the stadiums of Herat. That’s real storytelling. This article speaks from the heart, not from distance.
من این داستان را برای شاگردانم خواندم. همهشان با شوق گوش میدادند. یکی از شاگردانم گفت: ‘استاد، شاید روزی من هم مثل او شوم.’ همین یعنی تأثیر واقعی ژورنالیزم.
The writer’s tone and structure are powerful. You can feel every emotion, the dust, the silence, the joy. This article isn’t just about one child; it’s about a nation’s endurance. Excellent work, ASJF team.
Every time I read a story by Sayer Zaland, I feel Afghanistan breathe again. This piece is exceptional, the final lines about another barefoot boy waiting to be seen gave me chills. Thank you for keeping hope alive through words.
When I watched Usman’s video, my eyes filled with tears. So much talent in such a young boy! May God protect him.