The CAFA U17 Championship successfully concluded in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on August 24, 2024, with Afghanistan winning the coveted trophy. The week-long tournament, held from August 17 to 24, saw participation from all six Central Asian Football Association member nations: Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyz Republic, IR Iran, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. The competition aimed to nurture young football talent in preparation for the AFC U17 Asian Cup and FIFA U17 World Cup qualifiers.
Tournament Structure and Key Moments
The championship was organized into two groups. Group A consisted of Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Kyrgyz Republic, while Group B featured IR Iran, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. The group stage matches were played with high intensity, culminating in thrilling results. Afghanistan emerged as the top team in Group A, securing a spot in the final alongside Uzbekistan, the leader of Group B.
In total, nine matches were played during the tournament, producing 20 goals. The draw ceremony for the tournament was held on August 16, attended by senior officials from all teams, ensuring a fair and transparent process.
Afghanistan Secures the Title
The final match saw Afghanistan take on Uzbekistan in an exciting contest. Afghanistan managed to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory, with the decisive goal proving to be the difference, crowning them the CAFA U17 champions.
The third-place match between host nation Tajikistan and IR Iran ended in a 1-1 draw, leading to a dramatic penalty shootout. Tajikistan held their nerve, winning 4-2 in penalties, and claimed the bronze medal.
Individual Awards and Recognition
The tournament was a showcase of emerging talent. IR Iran’s forward, Salman Ghafarifouzi, received the Top Goalscorer Award, while the Fair Play Award went to IR Iran’s team. Afghanistan’s captain, Hamid Amiri, was a standout performer, earning both the Best Player and Best Goalkeeper awards.
The tournament concluded with an award ceremony, where Mr. Ulugbek Karimov, General Secretary of CAFA, and Mr. Furkatzhon Akhmedzhanov, General Secretary of the Tajikistan Football Federation, presented the awards to the winning teams and individual players.
A Platform for Future Success
The CAFA U17 Championship provided an invaluable opportunity for young players to develop their skills and gain experience on the international stage. The competition also served as crucial preparation for the AFC U17 Asian Cup and FIFA U17 World Cup qualifiers, where all teams will aim to advance to the final stages and represent Central Asia at the highest level of youth football.
The successful conclusion of this tournament marks another milestone in CAFA’s efforts to foster football talent and promote the sport across the region.