Argentina Edges Afghanistan 2-1 in Youth Futsal
Valentino Martínez scored in the final minute to secure Argentina's win over Afghanistan at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Soccer
Argentina defeated Afghanistan 2-1 in Group A of the under-18 futsal competition at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games on Wednesday. Valentino Martínez scored the winning goal in the final minute, after Afghanistan goalkeeper and captain Ahmad Esmaeili's own goal had given Argentina the lead.
Why it matters
The result moves Argentina to six points and into the semi-finals, while Afghanistan has three points from two matches and still has a route to advancement. The top two teams in each group advance, which keeps Afghanistan's final group match against Senegal consequential.
Afghanistan's 5-0 win over Panama in its opening match is the only other result reported, leaving the team at three points from two games. Argentina's six points secure its semi-final place, while Afghanistan's qualification remains open pending its November 7 match against Senegal.
The players
Valentino Martínez
Argentine forward who scored the winning goal in the final minute of the match against Afghanistan.
Ahmad Esmaeili
Afghanistan's goalkeeper and captain, whose own goal gave Argentina the lead in the match.
Ali Ahmadi
Afghanistan player who scored the equaliser in the 18th minute.
The details
Afghanistan took an early setback when Ahmad Esmaeili, the team's goalkeeper and captain, scored an own goal to give Argentina the lead. Ali Ahmadi equalised for Afghanistan in the 18th minute, and Esmaeili made important saves in the second half before Martínez's late winner at the Iba Mar Diop Complex in Dakar.
Timeline
Wednesday, November 4, 2026: Argentina defeats Afghanistan 2-1 in Group A.
18th minute: Ali Ahmadi equalises for Afghanistan.
Final minute: Valentino Martínez scores the winning goal for Argentina.
Saturday, November 7, 2026: Afghanistan plays hosts Senegal in its final group match.
Monday, November 9, 2026: Semi-finals are scheduled.
Season Trajectory
Under the Youth Olympic Games rule that sends the top two teams from each group to the semi-finals, Argentina's six points effectively settle its place in the knockout stage. Afghanistan's qualification now depends on its final group match against Senegal, which determines whether it advances in its group.
Afghanistan's qualification is decided by its November 7 match against Senegal, so the team's remaining fixture determines whether it reaches the semi-finals. For readers following the tournament, the result changes the standings in Group A and the bracket for the semi-finals.
The takeaway
Argentina's win shows how a single late goal can settle a group, while Afghanistan's remaining match against Senegal will decide whether the team advances. Readers tracking the tournament should watch that November 7 result closely.
What happens next
Afghanistan plays hosts Senegal in its final group match on Saturday, November 7, 2026, and the semi-finals are scheduled for Monday, November 9, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the youth competition's broader group standings, see our Soccer coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Ariana News.
