Afghanistan opened their AFC U17 Asian Cup 2027 qualifying campaign with a convincing 4-1 victory over hosts Myanmar on Sunday.

Mohammad Fahim Hammas scored a hat-trick, while Taib Qaderi also found the net to secure all three points for Afghanistan in their opening Group A match.

Qaderi broke the deadlock in the ninth minute before Hammas doubled Afghanistan’s advantage six minutes later.

Hammas struck again in the 23rd minute, giving Afghanistan a comfortable 3-0 lead at half-time.

The Afghan side continued their dominance after the break, with Hammas completing his hat-trick four minutes into the second half.

Myanmar pulled one goal back in the 56th minute through Thet Naing Oo, who converted a penalty, but Afghanistan held on to claim a comprehensive 4-1 victory.

Afghanistan are grouped with Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines and Cambodia in the tournament. They will face Cambodia in their next match on Wednesday.

Afghanistan finished the third day of the first Test against Zimbabwe at 402 for 7 after 125 overs, remaining 102 runs behind Zimbabwe’s first-innings total of 504 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

Zimbabwe were bowled out for 504 in 134.3 overs in their first innings, setting a challenging target for Afghanistan to close the gap.

Afghanistan made progress with the bat on the third day, reaching 402 for 7 by the close of play. However, they still trail Zimbabwe by 102 runs, with three wickets remaining in their first innings.

The match will continue on day four, with Afghanistan looking to reduce the deficit and potentially take the lead before Zimbabwe begin their second innings.