Afghanistan enter SAFF U-16 semifinals

KABUL marched into the semifinals of the ongoing South Asian Football Federation (SAFF)’s under-16 football championship in Kathmandu by beating Bhutan 3-1.

In the group-A encounter, Bhutan took the lead in the 19th minute, but Afghanistan were able to level the score in the 27th minute and then Nazar Ahmed struck a second goal in the 63rd minute.

Afghanistan again scored a third goal in the 92nd minute and won the game 3-1. They entered the championship’s semifinals along with hosts Nepal who thrashed defending champions Pakistan 3-0 in the group-A match.

Afghanistan finished runners up in the group-A with 5 points (1 win and 2 draw).

India and Bangladesh are also already in the semifinals from Group B. Both India and Bangladesh have beaten Sri Lanka, already out of the championship with two defeats.

It is for the first time Afghanistan are taking part in the championship and played well, said Hadi Kazmi, a senior footballer.

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