Shaheen Asmayee, the 2016 Afghan Premier League (APL) champions faced off Simorgh Alborz, the fifth season third place winners, in the first of a two-leg semi-finals match at the Afghanistan Football Federation (AFF) stadium on Thursday might.

Shaheen Asmayee beat Simorgh Alborz 1-0. 

This was the first night match in over 40 years in football history in Afghanistan. For thousands of fans that packed the stadium, this move was widely welcomed. 

In order to make this possible, flood lights were recently installed at the stadium, bringing the venue in line with international standards.

"The APL has played an immense role in the development of football in Afghanistan. It has contributed to national unity among the Afghans,” said Zia Ari, the APL deputy commissioner. “Adding to the achievements, in the first time in Afghanistan, the APL matches will be played during the night in this season. The matches will be kicked-off at 5:30 pm and will end at 8:00 pm,” he added.

Meanwhile, this is the second consecutive season that Simorgh and Shaheen are competing in the semi-finals. Last year, Shaheen crushed Simorgh with an aggregate score of 10-3.

For fixtures and results follow APL website on www.afghanpremierleague.com.