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Female football players from Afghanistan have been striving to return to international competition from abroad for many years. On Sunday, they finally had their moment, yet their journey is far from over.

Stripped of its context, it appeared to be a normal moment. A player falling to the ground. A referee’s whistle. A penalty kick taken. An early advantage.

But as Manozh Noorishe raised her fist toward the sky to mark her first international goal in her debut international match, an achievement that held immense meaning for her and her teammates.

“It was a moment of joy for all,” Noori said after the game.

Every one of my teammates approached me and embraced me. It was an incredible moment for everyone involved. I dedicate this goal to everyone in Afghanistan, as they are worthy of joy.

It has taken a long time to come to fruition. Afghanistan’s women’s football team last participated in an international match in 2021, just before the Taliban regained control of the country that same year. The Islamic fundamentalist nationalist group has consistently suppressed women since coming back to power, and as per the United Nations, “it is closer than ever to realizing its goal of a society that completely removes women from public life.”

Every player on the field on Sunday had to run away, as participating in sports in public made them a clear target. Slightly more than half of the team eventually found a place in Australia, while others relocated to different European nations.

Embrace a distant, yet attainable, aspiration

Since they were exiled, regaining their status as international footballers — which means recognition from the game’s global governors FIFA — has been the preoccupation for many. Though they are driven by playing at the top level, their deeper motivation is always front of mind.

Girls in Afghanistan currently have no rights. Participating in sports is perhaps a distant dream, but even a basic one like studying is difficult.having access to education and they do not have it,goalkeeper Fatima Yousufi stated .

It’s the greatest encouragement for us to carry out this work for every girl. We’re proving to them that their aspirations are legitimate.

The players’ thoughts and memories of their native land were visible on their faces as they watched their flag wave and heard their national anthem play before the match against Chad, which concluded with a 6-1 victory for Chad, leaving many in tears.

Although FIFA began the process of acknowledging the team in May of this year, they are currently competing as Afghan Women United, a name selected in collaboration with the players who took over from their previous identity as the Afghanistan women’s refugee team. Consequently, the competition they are participating in consists of exhibition games, with Libya and Tunisia also taking part. Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s men’s team remains active on the international scene under Taliban rule.

Yousufi was among the players who featured in the team’s final match as Afghanistan — prior to the Taliban regaining control after the departure of US and NATO troops. Women’s football has advanced quickly since then, with greater professional development, rising ticket sales in numerous nations, and heightened media attention.

Catching up to do

With athletes spread around the world and also needing to focus on establishing new lives in foreign countries, Afghanistan has a lot of ground to make up. This process was not aided by the delay and last-minute shift in the tournament’s location following the Afghan players’ circumstances.visa applications were turned down by the United Arab Emirates, who had initially agreed to host and participate in it. No official statement has been released regarding the reason for this rejection, although the UAE maintains strong diplomatic relations with the Taliban.

“It’s very difficult, when you’ve not played international football for four years, to understand what the level is, because even in that time the game has changed a lot,” said the team’s Scottish coach, Pauline Hamill.

I believe you can recognize the potential present there. I think it was a situation of ‘Welcome to international football’ [in Sunday’s match], and now, how can we enhance our performance going ahead? I think that’s the main point.

FIFA promises ongoing support

In the short term, they will face matches against Libya and Tunisia in Morocco, which took over at the last minute to organize the four-team tournament. However, after striving so hard to be acknowledged and heard for four years, the Afghan players view this as just the initial step toward returning to a sporting life similar to what they had before their lives were disrupted.

FIFA, in the form of itspresident, Gianni Infantino, has pledged to “remain committed to all Afghan women” and “strive diligently to make sure each of them gets the assistance they deserve to participate in the sport they cherish.”

However, what occurs next remains uncertain. Due to a government that is not providing support, competitive matches are currently unfeasible.

Although they might not yet be representing their nation in the manner they desire, this group of exiled women has repeatedly demonstrated their strength. As Yousufi says, adding a touch of Australian accent: “Never give up on your dreams, girls.”

Edited by: Chuck Penfold

Author: Matt Pearson (Casablanca)