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ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) announced on Wednesday it would hold the first-ever futsal national team tryouts in Lahore on Aug. 10, as it gears up for its upcoming AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers to be held in �������� next month.

Futsal is a fast-paced indoor variant of football played on a smaller, hard court with five players per side. Emphasizing close control, quick passes and creativity, it is known for its speed and frequent goal-scoring opportunities.

In Pakistan, the game has rapidly gained popularity over the years, particularly among youth, thanks to its dynamic and skill-driven nature.

“Open to futsal players across the country, the tryouts will take place on August 10, 2025, at the 5th Generation Sports Complex in DHA Phase 8, Lahore, from 9am to 6pm,” the PFF said in a statement.

“The players must bring valid identification, including a passport and CNIC, to be eligible for selection.”

The PFF will finalize the squad in due course and the training camp will begin in the first week of September, it added.

With the announcement of the national team’s first-ever tryouts, Pakistan is making its official entry into international futsal, which marks a significant milestone in the sport’s growth within the country.

Pakistan has been placed in Group D alongside ��������, Iraq, and Chinese Taipei for the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers, scheduled from Sep. 20 to 24.

Group stage matches will be held in Dammam, with Pakistan set to face Iraq on Sep. 20, �������� on Sep. 22, and Chinese Taipei on Sep. 24.

AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 will be held in Indonesia next year.

NAIROBI: Senegal beat Nigeria 1-0 in their opening group match at Zanzibar’s Amaan stadium on Tuesday to make a successful start to their African Nations Championships (CHAN) title defense.

The sides were evenly matched for the majority of the encounter before Senegal, who were meeting their West African rivals for the first time in the championships, managed to break the deadlock in the 75th minute.

Midfielder Serigne Koite pounced on a loose ball at the edge of the box, drew out the Nigerian goalkeeper and set up Christian Gomis to tap home the winner for Senegal.

Senegal’s next opponents Congo came from behind to hold favorites Sudan to a 1-1 draw in an evenly-contested game.

The Sudanese Falcons had appeared on course to collect all three points after wonderkid Musa Ali Hussein had given them an early lead in the 29th minute.

The Al Merrikh striker weaved past a pair of Congolese defenders before releasing a right-footed shot from the left side of the box to give his side a well deserved lead.

But a defensive lapse inside the last five minutes allowed underdogs Congo to share the spoils.

Substitute Carly Ekongo rescued his country in the 86th minute when he capitalized on a loose ball inside the penalty area to smash home the equalizer.