Afghanistan U-20 head coach Kourosh Barmak says the national team is about 60% prepared for the upcoming AFC U-20 Asian Cup qualifiers, with further training and friendly matches planned before the competition. The team has completed 120 training sessions and 44 matches in Afghanistan and is scheduled to hold a 10-day training camp in Bahrain.
Kabul | By Sara Amiri
Afghanistan U-20 head coach Kourosh Barmak outlined the national team’s preparations for the upcoming AFC U-20 Asian Cup qualifiers during a press conference, stressing the players’ efforts to enter the competition in strong form.
Barmak said the team’s training programme is being conducted regularly to improve the players’ technical and professional abilities. The squad is working on physical, technical, tactical and mental aspects of the game, as well as specialized football training.
According to Barmak, the players are involved in training programmes from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.
The coach rated the team’s current level of preparation at around 60% and said preparations are continuing. He also highlighted the need to strengthen the defensive side of the team, with specific training sessions being conducted to improve the players’ performance in that area.
Barmak said the U-20 national team has completed 120 training sessions and 44 matches in Afghanistan as part of its preparations for the qualifiers.
Before the Asian Cup qualifiers, Afghanistan are scheduled to attend a 10-day training camp in Bahrain. The camp will include seven to eight training sessions, along with friendly matches against Bahraini football teams.
Afghanistan are also scheduled to play two preparatory matches against Oman as part of their preparations for the Asian Cup qualifiers.
The AFC U-20 Asian Cup qualifiers provide a pathway for Afghanistan’s youth national team to compete for a place in the continental finals. The Afghanistan U-20 squad is continuing its preparations through training camps and friendly matches ahead of the qualifying campaign.