A key to Afghanistan’s success is the recent emergence and excitement surrounding football. The Afghan Premier unearthed brand new talent for the National team and also given the fact that most of the players in the current national team have played together for some time now.
Another key to success is Afghanistan using abroad players to further strengthen the team. It recently selected 14 players from overseas from Europe, USA, and Australia showcasing the talent available to Afghanistan worldwide. This article will further showcase some other Afghan talents which Afghanistan have not yet called up to their squad.
Sharif Mukhamad (DOB- 21st March 1990 – 23 years old – Anzi Makhachkala)
Born to an Afghan father, Mukhamad is currently playing for one of the biggest clubs in Russia for FC Anzhi Makhachkala in the first division. The club currently play under world renowned coach Guus Hiddink. A strong midfielder, he plays with the likes of ex Barcelona player Samual Eto and ex Real Madrid player Diarra just to name a few. This season he has made 2 appearances and is currently in the Europa league squad. Playing for a professional club of Anzhi’s stature surely this player is one not to miss. Although he hasn’t had much game time this season, this is a player of the future and Afghanistan should try to call him up in the near future.
Shabir Isoufi (DOB 9th March 1992 – 21 years old – Feyenoord – loan to FC Telstar)
Born in Kandahar, Shabir Isoufi is a former Holland U17 international, making 3 appearances in the FIFA U17 World Cup in 2009. He also made 4 appearances for the U20 Holland National team. Isoufi is an attacking midfielder. Holland definitely see Isoufi as a player of the future and has already played for the Holland Youth teams. He is currently in the books of Feyenoord which is one of the biggest clubs in Holland. Each season, in order to get match practice, Isoufi is loaned up to lower division. He is currently playing for Telstar in the Holland 2nd division. A regular starter for Telstar, he has made 23 appearances and scored 6 goals. Shabir will be tough to convince to play for Afghanistan especially if he excels his football, and continues his interest to play for Holland. Still there is a slight chance, and this player would definitely boost Afghanistan National team in the future.
Faysal Shayesteh (21st June 1991 – 22 years old – Etar 1924 FC)
Born in Kabul, Faysal in the younger brother of former Afghanistan international Qhays Shayesteh who played for Afghanistan in the AFC Challenge Cup Qualifiers in 2011 (currently without a club). Faysal played his footballing career in Holland with SC Heerenveen reserves. Recently he transferred to Bulgarian side ETar 1924 Football club. He has already made an impact by playing in 2 from 2 league games. Faysal plays as a midfielder. This is another player who Afghanistan should keep an eye on for future games.
Moshtagh Yaghoubi (8th November 1994 – 19 years old – FC Honka)
Born in Afghanistan, this young striker currently plays for FC Honka in the Finish first Division (Veikkausliiga). Last season he made a total of 27 appearances for the club which finished 7th in the league. Still a young striker, he is currently earmarked to make his selection in the Finland u20 side. This is young player and Afghanistan needs more young players to come through the ranks.
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