Sports

Afghanistan defeats Tajikistan 9–5 in high-scoring futsal clash at Islamic Solidarity Games

Afghanistan’s futsal team delivered a dominant performance against Tajikistan on Tuesday, securing a thrilling 9–5 victory at the Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh.

The match, held as part of the ongoing Riyadh 2025 Games, showcased Afghanistan’s attacking prowess, with standout performances from several players.

Goal scorers for Afghanistan included Mehdi Nowruzi, Sayyed Mojtaba Hosseini (2 goals), Sayyed Murtaza Hosseini (3 goals), Abbas Haidari (2 goals), and Akbar Kazemi (2 goals).

The Afghan squad maintained an aggressive tempo throughout the match, capitalizing on defensive lapses by Tajikistan and executing sharp, coordinated attacks. Despite some resistance from the Tajik side, Afghanistan controlled the rhythm of the game and extended their lead in the second half.

This win adds to Afghanistan’s growing record of futsal success in international competitions, following their recent U-17 Asian title win. The team is now considered a rising force in the sport.

The Islamic Solidarity Games continue in Riyadh through this week, featuring teams from across the Muslim world competing in a range of sports.