Despite a continued ban on women’s sports by the Taliban regime, the Afghan women’s football team has made a remarkable return to the international field. According to foreign media reports, the team, now recognized as the Afghan Women United, participated in a FIFA-supported tournament, marking their re-entry into global football.

The four-nation friendly competition has begun in Morocco, where the Afghan refugee women’s team played their opening match against Chad. This marks a symbolic and emotional comeback for many players who have been unable to compete in their homeland since the Taliban’s takeover.

Speaking after the match, members of the Afghan team expressed their joy and determination, saying that despite restrictions at home, they never gave up hope of playing again. “We may not be able to play in Afghanistan, but our spirit and love for football remain unbroken,” one player said.

Following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, women have been banned from participating in all forms of sports in Afghanistan. This tournament represents the first international appearance of Afghan female footballers since that ban.

According to the news agency, most of the players fled Afghanistan and resettled in Australia after the Taliban takeover. Earlier this year, FIFA officially recognized the formation of the Afghan refugee women’s team, granting them the opportunity to compete under a new banner.

The team is being coached by Pauline Hamill and captained by Fatima Haidari. “Our dream has come true,” Haidari said. “We finally have the right to play again, and we are deeply grateful to FIFA for giving us the chance to represent Afghan women on the world stage.”