Afghanisthan register winning start in SAFF Under-19 Football; See off Maldives 3-1 in the first Group B match

Afghanisthan has registered a winning start in the SAFF Under-19 Football Championship underway in Kathmandu. The Afghan youths claimed a comprehensive victory over Maldives at the scoreline of 3-1 in the first Group B match played at the tournament venue at ANFA Complex in Satdobato, Lalitpur. Muhammad Habi gave the lead to Afghanisthan just before the end of the first half. Looking stronger physically than their opponents, the Afghan team doubled their lead from a netting by substitute player Ali Ahmad Mansuri in the 71st minute of the match. The lead further improved in the 82nd minute through a goal from Muhammad Ahamadi, which was followed by a consolation for Maldives from Hamdan Ali four minutes later. Tomorrow's fixture of the tournament will see Bangladesh and Bhutan vie against each other from Group A.