Afghanistan futsal team secures top spot in Asian cup group stage

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Afghanistan national futsal team has emerged as the standout team of the 2026 Asian Cup after the second round of group stage matches, finishing with six points, 10 goals scored and no goals conceded.

Reports indicate that Majid Murtazai’s squad impressed in their two matches against Saudi Arabia and Malaysia, scoring a total of 10 goals.

The team delivered a remarkable performance against Malaysia, securing the highest-scoring victory of the tournament with a 7–0 win.

Afghanistan defeated Saudi Arabia 3–0 and Malaysia 7–0 in their group-stage matches. Notably, they are the only team so far to have kept a clean sheet throughout, conceding no goals.

Following Afghanistan, Japan and Uzbekistan have each conceded two goals, while Thailand and Iran have conceded one goal apiece.

With six points, Afghanistan has already secured its place in the quarterfinals. The team will face Iran in their final group-stage match.

In the top scorers’ chart, Afghanistan’s Reza Hossainpur, with three goals, is tied with Iqbal Sikandar of Indonesia and Salem Faisal of Iraq.

hz/sa