Afghanistan’s U-17 Futsal Team Advances to the Final After Crushing Thailand

Afghanistan’s under-17 national futsal team reached the final of the Asian Youth Futsal Championship in Bahrain with a resounding 9–1 victory over Thailand in the semifinals.

Although both teams started the match under pressure, the Thai players seemed to be more affected by stress, committing five fouls within the first five minutes due to their rough play. The first half ended with a commanding 6–1 lead for the “Lions of Khorasan.”

Thailand opened the scoring, but an own goal by one of their players brought the match level. Soon after, Mohammad Akbari scored Afghanistan’s second goal, followed by two excellent goals from team captain Abbas Haidari, making it 4–1. Later, powerful shots from Amir Hamza Qasemi and Wasi Bahadur added the fifth and sixth goals for Afghanistan before halftime.

In the second half, Afghanistan adopted a more defensive strategy; nonetheless, Ali Reza Ahmadi scored twice and Mohammad Naeem Rahmatzada added another goal, bringing the total to nine. Meanwhile, Ahmad Esmaili, the brave and skillful goalkeeper of the Lions of Khorasan, made several crucial saves to deny Thailand further goals.

With this impressive victory, Behrooz Jafari’s players have secured at least the silver medal and will now compete for the gold medal in the tournament final.

The championship final is scheduled to take place on Thursday, where Afghanistan will face Iran, who advanced after a decisive victory over Uzbekistan.