KERALA (SW): Outshining competitors at the group stage in the ongoing South Asia Football Federation Cup 2015, Afghanistan has entered semi-final stage on its way to retain the title.
On Monday, Afghanistan scored four goals against Maldives and conceded only one. For the winners, Captain Faisal Shaista, Omid Barakzai, Omid Popalzai and Ahmad Arash scored goals. In the first half of the game, Afghanistan was leading two to one. The lead was consolidated to 4-1 in the later part of the game.
Leading the Group B, Afghanistan has over powered Bangladesh by 4-0, Bhutan by 3-0 and Maldives by 4-1 to reach the semi finals where it would face a rather stronger Sri Lankan squad. The match will be played on Thursday at 3:30 India Standard Time and 2:30 Afghanistan time.
In the second semi final, India will take on Maldives. Afghanistan is the defending champion of SAFF thanks to an historic win in 2013.
The Suzuki South Asian Football Federation Cup (SAFF) kicked-off in Kerala, India on 24 December. Afghanistan is defending its title in this tournament that would also feature India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives. The SAFF champion side would be awarded $ 50, 000 while the runner-up would earn $ 25, 000.
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