Afghanistan Loses 5-1 to Syria in 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers Return Leg
Afghanistan lost 5-1 to Syria in the return leg of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium in Saudi Arabia.
The first half ended 1-1 after Syria took the lead in the 5th minute through Mohammad Al-Salkhadi. Afghanistan equalized in the 23rd minute with a long-range shot from Alireza Panahi. Afghanistan goalkeeper Kiwaan Metqiyan saved a penalty during the first half.
Syria dominated the second half, with Mohammad Al-Halq scoring in the 56th minute, Mohammad Al-Mostafa netting twice in the 58th and 82nd minutes, and Mohammad Al-Aswad adding a late goal in the 90+3rd minute.
Syria finished atop the group with a perfect 6-0-0 record, 18 points, 21 goals scored and 2 conceded. Afghanistan placed third with 2 points from two draws and four losses, recording a 4-11 goal difference. Myanmar secured second place with 12 points after defeating Pakistan 2-1.
Know more about this story?
If you have additional information or believe something is inaccurate, let us know. Your tips help us stay accurate.
Sources (1)
More in International
Russian Court Convicts Five in Illegal Migration Case Involving Afghans
Afghanistan Remains on US High-Risk Countries List for Asylum Applications
Iranian President Pezeshkian Says Iran Has Will to End War with Israel, US if Guarantees Provided
Lithuania Detains 34 Migrants Including Afghan Citizens at Belarus Border
ReliableRussian Court Convicts Five in Illegal Migration Case Involving Afghans
A Chelyabinsk court convicted five people, including a travel agency manager, for running an illegal migration network since 2017 that targeted Afghan, Syrian and other nationals with fake visa invitations. Sentences included up to 3.5 years in prison and fines up to 450,000 rubles, though defendants deny wrongdoing and plan to appeal.
ReliableAfghanistan Remains on US High-Risk Countries List for Asylum Applications
The US Department of Homeland Security confirmed Afghanistan remains on its high-risk countries list for asylum applications, maintaining maximum vetting while easing restrictions for low-risk nations. The policy follows a November 2025 attack by an Afghan asylee on US National Guard members, prompting stricter measures under the Trump administration.
ReliableIranian President Pezeshkian Says Iran Has Will to End War with Israel, US if Guarantees Provided
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Iran has the necessary will to end its war with Israel and the United States if guarantees are provided against future aggression. He highlighted army resistance, national unity and public support amid conflicts that began on February 28, 2026, and have killed over 1,340 people.
ReliableLithuania Detains 34 Migrants Including Afghan Citizens at Belarus Border
Lithuanian border authorities detained 34 illegal migrants, including Afghan citizens, attempting to enter from Belarus -- the largest such group this year -- and returned them to Belarusian territory. The policy has been in place since August 2021 amid increased migration attempts from Asia and Africa.