Calls Grow for Mother Tongue Education in Afghanistan
February 21 marks International Mother Language Day. Residents of Kabul, on the occasion, are calling for education in native languages.
They say that education in one’s mother tongue not only makes learning easier for students, but also plays an important role in preserving the country’s cultural identity and linguistic diversity.
A Kabul resident, Muqaddas, said: “Compared to other languages, studying in one’s mother tongue is easier and more effective.”
Another Kabul resident, Maisha, said: “Teaching should be conducted in the mother tongue in all schools, because people can receive better education in their native language.”
Meanwhile, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) says that globally, 40 percent of people do not have access to education in their mother tongue.
The organization emphasizes the importance of cultural and linguistic diversity for the stability of societies.
Some cultural analysts and university professors say that education in the mother tongue leads to a better understanding of concepts and strengthens cultural and national identity.
Cultural analyst Akrami Fandqistani said: “When we talk about the importance of the mother tongue and the loss of certain languages, it is in fact about the fate of a nation’s cultural identity.”
On the other hand, officials from the Ministry of Information and Culture stress the development of the country’s national languages, adding that over the past three years, 11,000 books focusing on official and regional languages have been published to preserve and enrich them.
University professor Mahboob Shah Majidi said: “Academic centers, especially universities, play an important and vital role in strengthening mother languages.”
According to the Academy of Sciences, around 30 languages are currently spoken in Afghanistan.
On February 21, 1999, UNESCO designated this day as International Mother Language Day at its General Conference to promote linguistic and cultural diversity.
Efforts Underway to Revive Theatre in Herat as New Hall Nears Completion
Local officials in Herat say construction work on the province’s theatre hall is 80% complete and is expected to be handed over for use within the next month.
They say the hall has been built to standard and will be handed over to theatre and cinema artists.
Ahmad Irshad Safi, head of Urban and Sectoral Services at the Herat Municipality, said: “Construction of the theatre building project is 80% complete and it will be handed over for use within the next month. The remaining 20% includes work on the front of the building, interior plastering and tiling.”
Hilaluddin Jami, a representative of the contractor company, said: “This building has been constructed according to the technical specifications given to us. Supervisors come here every day or every other day to monitor the work. The construction has been progressing very well.”
Around ten years ago, Herat’s theatre hall was active, but it was demolished due to the widening of the city’s central road.
Theatre and cinema artists say that after the hall was destroyed, theatre activity declined and many artists stopped working in the field.
Abdulkarim Mohammadyar, head of Herat theatre, said: “With the reconstruction of the theatre hall, artists inside and outside the country, including those who had changed professions, have said they want to restart theatre and stand with us.”
Theatre and cinema artist Ghulam Sakhi Ghulami said: “With the construction of the theatre building, I feel as if my home is being rebuilt. I have worked in theatre and cinema for 35 years. Every time I pass by the theatre building, I hope it will be completed soon so we can work in our own home. After the hall is completed, people and young people should come and watch our live theatre.”
Meanwhile, the Herat Department of Information and Culture says the theatre hall will help revive this art again, and officials have assured their support for artists.
Hamidullah Ghiyasi, head of Arts and Culture at the Herat Department of Information and Culture, said: “The Herat Department of Information and Culture has always strongly supported those who promote culture, art and literature, and has tried its best to create opportunities for the growth and development of culture and art.”
Theatre in Herat has a history of more than 100 years and has experienced both good and difficult times during political changes in the country.
With the construction of the new hall, artists have once again become hopeful for the development of theatre in Herat.
Japan contributes $2.08 million to World Bank Trust Fund for Afghanistan
Japan has signed a $2.08 million contribution agreement with the World Bank to support humanitarian and livelihood programs in Afghanistan, its diplomatic mission in Kabul said on Sunday.
The funding will be channeled through the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF), a multi-donor trust fund administered by the World Bank that finances essential services and development programs in the country.
In a statement, Japan said the contribution is intended to support people in need and promote livelihoods among vulnerable Afghans, including women and young people.
“Japan stands with the Afghan people,” the statement said.
The pledge comes as Afghanistan continues to face severe economic hardship following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, international sanctions and a sharp decline in foreign aid. Millions remain dependent on humanitarian assistance, and job opportunities — particularly for women — have shrunk amid widespread restrictions.
The ARTF has served as a key mechanism for delivering international assistance to Afghanistan, particularly after the suspension of direct budget support to Taliban. The fund supports programs in health, education, agriculture and community development.
Japan has remained one of the major donors to Afghanistan’s humanitarian and development efforts.
Herat Saffron Named World’s Best for 10th Consecutive Year
For the tenth consecutive year, saffron from Afghanistan’s Herat province has been awarded the title of the world’s highest-quality saffron by the International Taste Institute.
The competition was held in Brussels, Belgium, among the top four saffron-producing countries in the world, Afghanistan, Iran, Spain, and Greece.
Jalil Ahmad Maleki, the head of one of Herat’s saffron companies, said: “The International Taste Institute annually requests samples from countries involved in saffron production. After testing and evaluating the samples, the institute determines the highest quality. Other countries were also in the competition, but fortunately, we secured first place.”
Seyed Masoud, head of another saffron company in Herat, added: “Our request from the de facto government is to support national traders in saffron exports and to facilitate fast, secure, and affordable transport for them.”
Herat saffron has many customers in global markets.
According to local officials, saffron exports from Afghanistan to various countries have increased in recent months.
Abdul Khaleq Khodadadi, head of the Afghanistan Saffron Consortium, said: “Many countries around the world are highly interested in Afghan saffron. This interest is due to its natural purity and high quality. Most countries prefer to buy Afghan saffron.”
Local officials in Herat say that in recent years, saffron harvesting and processing in the province have become more standardized. The increase in both exports and saffron prices has led to greater interest among Herat farmers in cultivating the crop.
Mohammad Ebrahim Adel, head of the Afghanistan Saffron Union, stated: “Saffron is a commercial crop. I can say that this year, over 1,500 hectares of land have been added to saffron cultivation. Traders, farmers, and industry workers have been encouraged to expand its production.”
According to data from the Afghanistan Saffron Union, over 40 metric tons of saffron have been harvested in the country this year.
Union officials also report that 12,000 hectares of land across Afghanistan are under saffron cultivation, employing more than 80,000 people in its planting and harvesting.
WFP: Humanitarian Needs in Afghanistan Remain Extremely High
The World Food Programme (WFP) has stated in a report that humanitarian needs across Afghanistan remain “extremely high.”
According to the organization, the situation has been exacerbated by multiple shocks, including an unstable economy, limited access due to snowfall, large-scale returns from Iran and Pakistan, and funding shortfalls.
The agency stressed that with current funding levels, it is able to assist only 2 million people per month out of the 17.4 million who urgently require food assistance.
A section of the WFP report states: “For the first time in decades, drastic humanitarian assistance reductions mean WFP cannot respond at the level needed to protect families from extreme hunger. With the current funding, WFP can assist 2 million people per month out of 17.4 million who urgently need food assistance.”
Abdul Nasir Rashtia, an economic analyst, said: “As long as people do not have sustainable sources of income, unfortunately we cannot solve poverty with a single bottle of WFP oil or one sack of flour. The government must work to attract major investments and strongly support the private sector to create more employment opportunities.”
The report also notes that sharp reductions in humanitarian assistance have prevented WFP from delivering aid at the scale necessary to shield families from severe hunger.
Some citizens have also described the economic hardships they face.
Zakia, a resident of Kabul, said: “We cannot even afford rice; we do not even know what it is anymore. Prices are very high. We poor people understand nothing, and nothing reaches us.”
Another Kabul resident, Sultan Shah, said: “Prices have doubled. This Ramadan, I cannot even afford to buy 10 liters of oil. I push a handcart and today I have earned only 50 afghanis.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Economy has emphasized efforts to mobilize greater assistance for those in need.
Abdulrahman Habib, spokesperson for the Ministry of Economy, said: “Currently, due to climate change, consecutive droughts, imposed restrictions, the return of migrants from neighboring countries, and the continuation of humanitarian assistance, there is an urgent need for the international community to focus on employment-generation and support programs to reduce poverty and combat food insecurity.”
Earlier, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) announced the launch of the 2026 Afghanistan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan in cooperation with its humanitarian partners, aiming to address urgent life-saving needs and prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
$463 Million Deal Signed for Five Power Projects in Afghanistan
The contract for the commencement of practical work on five electricity generation projects from solar and coal sources was signed between Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (Afghanistan’s power company) and Azizi Group.
The head of Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat described these projects as an important step toward increasing the country’s electricity generation capacity and said their total capacity reaches 845 megawatts, with an estimated investment value of 463 million US dollars.
According to Abdulhaq Hamkar, the projects will be completed within two to three years and, once implemented, will create job opportunities for thousands of people both directly and indirectly.
The head of Breshna Sherkat further added: “The total capacity of these projects is 845 megawatts, which is equal to the total amount of electricity imported from neighboring countries.”
The contracted projects are as follows:
- Generation of 100 megawatts of solar power in Naghlu, Kabul
- Generation of 100 megawatts of solar power in Barikab, Parwan
- Generation of 130 megawatts of solar power in Ghazni
- Generation of 350 megawatts of coal-fired power in Baghlan
- Generation of 165 megawatts of coal-fired power in Takhar
Meanwhile, the Ministers of Energy and Water, and Mines and Petroleum described electricity generation from various sources as a fundamental requirement for the development of the country’s industry and economy. They emphasized that the de facto supports investors in order to achieve self-sufficiency in different sectors.
The Minister of Mines also referred to progress in the TAPI project and added that with the completion of parts of the project, the ground will be prepared for the use of gas in electricity generation as well.
Hedayatullah Badri, Minister of Mines and Petroleum, said: “We also call on other investors to come and invest in the exploration and extraction of oil and gas resources. We have rich oil and gas fields which, if utilized, can systematically meet the country’s needs.”
Mohammad Younes Akhundzada, Minister of Energy and Water, added: “This ministry cooperates not only with Azizi Group but with all other investors and traders, according to the country’s needs, with the goal of achieving self-sufficiency.”
On the other hand, the chairman of Azizi Group described the signing of this contract as an important step toward strengthening the country’s energy independence.
He said that six months ago the company signed a memorandum of understanding to produce 10,000 megawatts of electricity, and now, with the commencement of practical work on these projects, concrete steps are being taken in that direction.
Mirwais Azizi, Chairman of Azizi Group, added: “Very soon, within the next two or three months, we will also have other programs and will sign contracts for an additional two to three thousand megawatts of electricity, and by the end of the year we aim to reach our set target of producing six to seven thousand megawatts of power.”
According to officials of the company, the necessary equipment for two coal-fired plants has been purchased, and efforts are ongoing to launch additional projects.
Mr. Azizi also announced the company’s interest in producing 3,000 megawatts of electricity within the framework of the TAPI project and stressed that discussions have been held with the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum in this regard.
Women Showcase Handicrafts at Three-Day Exhibition in Herat
A three-day exhibition of women’s handicrafts has been held in Herat, showcasing handmade products and artistic creations by women and girls. The aim of the exhibition is to help market these products.
The exhibition organizer, Sosan Kazemi, said: “At this exhibition, we have displayed Afghan carpets, kilims, felt products, as well as miniature artworks, paintings, small ceramic items, laser engraving, and hand-carved works.”
The purpose of organizing the exhibition was described as introducing and promoting the handicrafts and artistic creations of women and girls.
One of the participants, Negita Dorani, said: “Our goal is to protect our culture and history and to preserve our cultural heritage through art and present it to the international community.”
Another participant, Malika Hashemi, said: “This exhibition provides women with the opportunity to showcase their art and handicrafts at an international level and to preserve the country’s authenticity and culture.”
According to the participants, public support is essential for the growth of handicrafts and home-based production. They also want to introduce the achievements of Afghan women and girls to the world.
Another participant, Quraish Malakzada, said: “The exhibition serves as a bridge of communication, allowing art to cross borders and enabling other countries to learn about Afghanistan’s art and artists.”
Participant Soraya Sadat said: “This exhibition is very effective and helps promote women’s handicrafts. It introduces women’s handicraft products to international audiences.”
The exhibition comes at a time when women’s business activities in Herat have increased significantly in recent years.
According to figures from the Herat Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industries, over the past nearly three years, more than 1,000 women and girls have launched business activities, creating job opportunities for thousands of others.
Afghanistan–Japan Trade Reaches $97 Million Despite No Direct Investment
The Japanese ambassador to Afghanistan told TOLOnews that although Japan has not made investments in Afghanistan, trade exists between Kabul and Tokyo.
He added that a large portion of Japan’s trade with Afghanistan is indirect and conducted through third countries.
Kenichi Masamoto, Japan’s ambassador to Afghanistan, said: “At present, we do not see direct Japanese investment in Afghanistan, but we do have trade. We export machinery and machinery parts. Direct trade is limited; however, some Japanese vehicles and their spare parts enter Afghanistan through third countries. Therefore, trade exists, and there is also larger indirect trade taking place.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce of Afghanistan reports that trade volume between Afghanistan and Japan reached $97 million last year, of which $2 million accounted for exports and $95 million for imports.
Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, said: “The main export items to Japan include medicinal plants, raisins, dried figs, pistachio kernels, fresh fruits, almond kernels, and dried apricots. The main imports from Japan include motorcycles, high-speed vehicles, tires and tubes, vehicle spare parts, and bicycles.”
Economic analysts believe that by utilizing emerging opportunities for investment in the country, the de facto government should seek to attract Japan toward investing in Afghanistan.
Ahmad Ferdous Behgozin, an economic analyst, said: “Japan can assist Afghanistan in technology transfer, improving production standards, and strengthening industrial capacity. On the other hand, trade relations with Japan send a message to the world that Afghanistan seeks constructive and balanced engagement.”
Another economic analyst, Shakir Yaqoubi, said: “Considering the future pathways for our country, establishing a structured and well-managed relationship with Japan could be highly important, particularly in infrastructure, energy sectors, education, and technology, where Japan can play a very effective role.”
This comes as, according to statistics provided by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Afghanistan currently conducts annual trade with more than 80 countries around the world.
Afghanistan’s 2026 Development Framework meeting highlights self-reliance and economic Stability
The Ministry of Economy of Afghanistan says a coordination meeting on the United Nations’ 2026 Development Framework for Afghanistan was held under the chairmanship of Qari Din Mohammad Hanif, Minister of Economy, focusing on advancing national development priorities and long-term economic stability.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), heads of UN agencies operating in the country, delegates from the European Union, and a range of international organizations.
During the session, the Minister of Economy outlined Afghanistan’s current situation, recent achievements, and key economic priorities, while expressing appreciation for the continued support of international partners during challenging years.
According to the Ministry, Afghanistan faced severe economic, social, and climate-related pressures in 2025.
These included the impacts of climate change and natural disasters, the forced return of more than two million Afghan migrants from neighboring countries, ongoing sanctions, frozen foreign reserves, and a sharp decline in development and humanitarian assistance. Together, these factors have significantly affected the livelihoods of vulnerable communities.
The Ministry said these measures helped preserve relative economic stability and deliver stronger economic growth compared with the previous year.
Improved economic governance, support for domestic production and the private sector, exchange rate stability, export growth, national infrastructure projects, inflation control, and increased domestic revenues were cited as key contributors.
The Ministry also highlighted the role of the United Nations in addressing urgent humanitarian needs, noting that UN assistance has been critical in responding to climate impacts, supporting migrants and returnees, strengthening food security and livelihoods, delivering basic health services, and reducing overall human suffering.
Data from the Ministry of Economy show that around $1.009 billion in international assistance was allocated to Afghanistan in 2025 across various sectors, with approximately $590 million earmarked for project expenditures. However, figures from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs indicate a significant drop in humanitarian funding, with only 36 percent of the $2.4 billion required having been secured.
The Ministry emphasized that sustainable economic stability can only be achieved through self-reliance, growth-driven economic policies, and constructive engagement with the international community.
Afghanistan’s Development Strategy, a long-term framework developed under the leadership of the Economic Deputy of the Prime Minister and coordinated by the Ministry of Economy, aims to promote balanced development, job creation, poverty reduction, infrastructure expansion, private sector support, and environmental protection.
Afghanistan’s Pine Nut Exports Rise by 25% in 2025
Pine nuts are among Afghanistan’s key export products and are primarily produced in mountainous and arid regions, particularly in the eastern and southeastern parts of the country.
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce reports that the country’s pine nut exports reached $15 million in 2025, marking a 25 percent increase compared to the previous year.
Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, said: “In 2025, Afghanistan’s black pine nuts were exported to China, India, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Germany, Kuwait, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and other countries. A total of 1,031 tons were exported, valued at more than $15 million.”
Meanwhile, the Afghanistan Dry Fruit Association attributes the increase in exports to improved marketing efforts, better access to regional markets, and rising demand in global markets.
According to officials of the association, attention to quality, standardized packaging, and facilitation of export procedures have been key factors behind the growth in pine nut exports.
Ahmad Khali Rahmani, spokesperson for the Kabul Dry Fruit Exporters Association, said: “We hope that at the beginning of next year, with the launch of export zones and exporting companies in the capital and provinces, along with the resolution of banking challenges, issuance of visas for traders, and reduction of transportation costs, pine nut exports will further increase.”
Mahboobullah Mohammadi, a trader, said: “In our repeated meetings with government officials and institutions, we have emphasized the establishment of a regular agricultural cargo system. By creating such a system and setting standardized transportation prices, we can have an alternative option until currently closed trade routes are reopened.”
Economic analysts also believe that increasing agricultural exports, particularly pine nuts, can play a significant role in improving the country’s economic situation and boosting revenues.
They stress that to sustain this trend, existing challenges in transportation, banking, storage, and access to global markets must be seriously addressed.
Afghanistan Enforces Medicine Price Controls, Stresses Quality Imports
The Deputy Minister for Food and Drug at the Ministry of Public Health, speaking at the “Pharmaceutical Industry Partnership and Innovation” conference in Kabul, emphasized the import of high-quality medicines and the prevention of hoarding, assuring that the new pricing regulation will be implemented in the coming weeks.
Hamdullah Zahid, in his remarks, described reliable electricity supply as a vital necessity for the growth and self-sufficiency of the country’s industry and trade. He also stated that all medicine-exporting countries must export to Afghanistan the same medicines that are used within their own countries.
He added: “Any country that wishes to export its products to Afghanistan must sign a memorandum of understanding with us based on our standards, including commitments to both price control and quality assurance.”
The organizer of the Pharmaceutical Industry Partnership and Innovation conference said the aim of the event was to share experiences and outline future plans for the country’s pharmaceutical sector, stressing stronger support and oversight of the sector and the effective use of antibiotics.
Sayed Abbas Raoufi, head of a pharmaceutical importing company, said: “For Afghanistan’s future, greater attention must be given to the effective use of antibiotics, as this has a significant impact on disease prevention and the immune systems of future generations.”
The head of the Pharmaceutical Union once again assured that there is sufficient medicine available in the markets and described the presence of high-quality medicines as essential for building trust between the public and the healthcare sector. He emphasized that pharmaceutical traders must prioritize both the quality and price of medicines. He also called on the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to provide further facilitation for medicine imports.
Mohammad Yaqoob Mangal, head of the Pharmaceutical Union, said: “Although some facilities have been provided, the existing challenges should be addressed by granting us additional temporary facilitation.”
Wali Naseri, a doctor, stated: “When medicines lack quality, public and patient trust in doctors decreases, and some of our harmful neighbors take maximum advantage of this situation.”
Previously, around 70 percent of Afghanistan’s pharmaceutical market relied on imports from Pakistan, and citizens frequently complained about the low quality of medicines. On November 12, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar instructed the Ministry of Finance to take measures within a three-month period to stop medicine imports from Pakistan. Finally, on February 9, Afghanistan officially ended all dependence of its pharmaceutical market on Pakistan.
Local Medicine Production Increases After Ban on Pakistani Imports
Following a full ban on the import of medicines from Pakistan, the production of locally manufactured medicines has increased in northern Afghanistan.
With the rise in production at these factories, the number of workers has also grown.
Zamarg Shinwari, head of a factory in Balkh, told TOLOnews: “Based on demand, we increased our staff and boosted medicine production. We now produce twice as much as before. Previously, we produced 3,000 items, but now that number has risen to between 6,000 and 8,000.”
Mohammad Jafar Mohammadi, an employee at the factory, said: “We are happy that job opportunities have been created for us in the country, and Afghanistan is gradually moving toward self-sufficiency.”
Pharmaceutical producers at the factory expressed confidence in the quality of domestic products, saying that medicines produced in Afghanistan are of better quality compared to imported ones.
Safiullah Sharifi, a pharmaceutical producer, said: “We are committed to the health of our people. We can confidently say that our domestic medicines are of better quality than imported products.”
Officials at the Balkh Department of Industry and Commerce also consider the standardization of domestic production an important factor in reducing imports and increasing employment opportunities.
Currently, two pharmaceutical manufacturing factories are operating in Balkh, and another factory is expected to begin operations soon.
Taliban’s gender oppression and international funding cuts pushing health system toward catastrophe, warns UN expert
Afghanistan faces a deepening health crisis driven by the Taliban’s ongoing attack on the rights of women and girls and a sharp drop in international funding, a UN expert warned today.
In a new report to the UN Human Rights Council, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, found the Taliban was systematically restricting access to healthcare for women and girls by imposing gender-oppressive policies, including limits on freedom of movement, the right to work, medical education, and the imposition of gender segregation in health facilities.
“These policies are not isolated measures – they form an institutionalised system of gender discrimination that denies women and girls autonomy over their own bodies, health, and futures,” Bennett said. “They provide further evidence that the Taliban is committing crimes against humanity.”
“Afghanistan’s health system was already fragile after decades of conflict, poverty, and underinvestment, as well as over-reliance on donor support. But the current crisis cannot be explained by those factors alone. Taliban policies have created new barriers that prevent women and girls from accessing essential services,” the Special Rapporteur said.
Bennett expressed particular alarm over the ban on medical education for women, in place since 2024, and its long-term impact on the health sector.
“The ban has effectively shut down the pipeline of new women health professionals. It is completely unjustifiable and puts the entire health system in jeopardy. Unless it is reversed, it will lead to unnecessary suffering, illness, and death, and could amount to femicide,” he said.
The expert stressed the massive cuts to international funding are also undermining life-saving programmes and seriously disrupting service delivery, stretching an already fragile system to breaking point.
“For women and girls, these cuts are turning an oppressive environment into a full-scale health catastrophe,” the expert said. “Member states need to fulfil their responsibilities and act urgently to avert severe and long-lasting harm.”
“Afghan health workers are showing extraordinary courage and commitment,” Bennett said. “They care for their communities under extremely difficult conditions and increasing restrictions. The international community must stand with them, including by reversing funding cuts and committing to long term, flexible, and sustainable support.”
The international accountability mechanisms on Afghanistan must investigate violations of the right to health and all forms of gender-based violence, including reproductive violence, the expert said.
“When women and girls are denied education, mobility, and healthcare, the effects ripple through families and across generations,” Bennett said. “Denying women and girls their rights not only harms them – it threatens the country’s entire health system and its future.”
He called on the Taliban to reverse course immediately and restore the rights of women and girls, by lifting restrictions on their freedom of movement, and allowing them to resume higher education, including medical education.
“Protecting the right to health in Afghanistan requires restoring the rights and dignity of women and girls,” Bennett said.
Afghanistan Defeat UAE by Five Wickets in ICC T20 World Cup Clash
The Afghanistan national cricket team defeated the United Arab Emirates in the ICC T20 World Cup on Monday.
The match began earlier in the week with the UAE batsmen taking the crease. At the end of their 20 overs, they scored 160 runs for the loss of 9 wickets, setting a target of 161 for Afghanistan.
In the second innings, Afghan cricketers took control of the game and came out to chase the target.
The Afghan players successfully reached the target in the 20th over, losing 5 wickets, and won the match by five wickets against the UAE.
Afghanistan secured this victory in the group stage after suffering defeats in their previous two matches against South Africa and New Zealand.
The national team is scheduled to face Canada in their final group-stage match on the 19th of the current month.
It is worth noting that Afghanistan is grouped with New Zealand, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and Canada in this tournament.
José Antonio Nogueira Officially Appointed Afghanistan Head Coach
José Antonio Nogueira was officially introduced as the new head coach of the Afghanistan national football team.
Officials of the Afghanistan Football Federation signed a one-year contract with the Brazilian coach and formally unveiled him during a press conference held this morning (Saturday).
According to federation officials, Nogueira is a Brazilian national and holds valid and recognized coaching credentials.
He has previously gained coaching experience across four continents and has built a diverse record at the national level.
Nogueira has previously served as head coach of the national football teams of Pakistan, Sierra Leone, and Guinea-Bissau.
Federation officials expressed hope that with the appointment of this experienced coach, the Afghanistan national team will achieve notable success in upcoming competitions.
Additionally, Ilyas Ahmad Manochehra of Afghanistan has been included in the new technical staff as assistant coach to support the Brazilian head coach in future programs.
A training camp under Nogueira’s leadership is also scheduled to be held in Kabul for domestic-based players.
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