Soccer tournament to mark I-Day celebrations

KANDAHAR CITY, Aug 16 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Two teams from the southern Kandahar province have qualified for the inter-provincial soccer tournament organised in connection with the Independence Day celebrations of the country.
Organisers of the competition told Pajhwok Afghan News that teams from Kabul, Nangarhar, Herat, Ghazni, Balkh, Farah, Helmand and Baghlan provinces would take part in the event. 

All matches of the day-night tournament would be played at the city's main playground, said head of the Kandahar Football Federation Muhammad Nabi Niazi.

He said Ittefaq and Ahmad Shah Baba teams emerged successful during the qualifying round of the matches played in Kandahar.
The two teams, who would represent the province during the tournament, had defeated Pamir and Afghan squads to make their way to the two top positions, said Niazi.
The tournament is being played to mark the 88th Independence Day of the country on August 19. Residents of Kandahar have hailed the tournament and said it was a handy recreational opportunity for them.
Abdul Wali, a dweller of the city which often witnesses suicide attacks and roadside bombing, said it was a pleasant change in their life to watch such recreational activity.

Niazi said two matches would be played on daily basis. The first match would be played in the afternoon while the second in the evening. This will be the first-ever day-night football tournament in Afghanistan.
Saeed Zabuli