Afghanistan’s U-17 national futsal team delivered a stunning performance on Wednesday night, demolishing host nation Thailand 9-1 in the semifinals of the 2025 Asian Youth Games, securing a historic berth in the final.
Kabul 24: The young Afghan side dominated from the opening whistle, showcasing fluid attacking play, iron-clad defense, and seamless midfield coordination. Goals poured in across both halves, with clinical finishing and relentless pressure overwhelming the Thai defense.
Thailand’s lone consolation came in the 32nd minute from a set piece, but it did little to disrupt Afghanistan’s command of the match.Sports analysts have hailed the result as one of the most brilliant victories in the history of Afghan youth futsal.
Head coach Abdul Rahim Rahimi praised his players post-match: “The boys executed everything we trained for over the past months. This win is the result of discipline, intensive preparation, and unbreakable team spirit.”
High-Stakes Final AwaitsPer the official schedule, Afghanistan will face Iran in the final on Thursday, October 31, at Hua Mark Indoor Stadium in Bangkok, kicking off at 7:00 PM local time.
The clash is widely expected to be the most intense and captivating match of the tournament.Iran, the defending champion, advanced with a 5-2 victory over Japan in the other semifinal. Known for their technical prowess and experience, the Iranians are heavy favorites.
However, Afghanistan’s emphatic win has shifted momentum and ignited hopes of claiming the nation’s first-ever Asian U-17 futsal title.
The Road to GloryThis breakthrough comes after months of rigorous training camps in Kabul and Doha, international friendlies against Arab youth teams, and the appointment of foreign coaching specialists.
The Afghanistan Football Federation provided unprecedented logistical and financial support, enabling the team to peak at the right moment.Afghan fans have flooded social media with the hashtag #AfghanistanChampions, celebrating the team’s journey.
Thousands are expected to tune in via live broadcast for the final.Afghanistan now stands on the cusp of making history. A win on Thursday would not only bring the trophy home to Kabul but also put Afghan youth futsal firmly on the global map
