A 10 day football tournament, the Peace Cup, wrapped up in Zabul on Saturday when Etihad Football Club beet Shaikh Mati FC 2-1.

Eight local teams took part in the tournament, which was organized to encourage the youth to take part in sports and to help promote peace and tolerance.

According to provincial officials they also selected the best players who would take part in matches outside the province.

“The competition was very effective in improving local football. This way we could find new talent among the youth for Zabul and for Afghanistan’s football,” said Mohammad Wais Azizi, the head of Zabul’s sports department.

Players who took part in the tournament said it had helped them with their game and to learn the importance of tolerance.  

“The matches were held in a friendly environment. We were excited about it,” said Ahmad, a football player.

“Sport can keep the youth from becoming drug addicts. It can strengthen friendships between athletes. We thank the organizers for arranging the event,” said Wais Ahmad Basharmal, a football player.

This comes after Zabul hosted a successful cricket tournament last month, which also saw eight teams taking part.