Afghan Women's Football Team Reunited in Exile, Reigniting National Dreams

Hidden from view, their faces obscured, and their trophies buried in backyards – these were the clandestine beginnings for Afghanistan's women footballers. Now, 23 players living in exile have reunited as the Afghan Women United team in New Zealand, carrying their stories of struggle, loss, and the enduring hope of representing their nation.

"Keep being strong as always because we represent Afghan women," midfielder Fatima Haidari urged her teammates during a gathering filled with Afghan flags and patriotic songs. Tears welled up for some as they sang together. Before their first practice session, the team formed a circle, receiving words of encouragement from their coach.

This squad of 23 players, selected from Afghan footballers now residing abroad, is in New Zealand for a training camp and two informal friendly matches against the Cook Islands. This reunion is particularly significant as it's the first time they can potentially represent Afghanistan in official matches since FIFA's decision allowing them to do so. This opportunity arises after the Taliban's return to power in August 2021, which led to severe restrictions on women and girls, including bans on education, employment in most sectors, and participation in sports.

The national women's football team, established in 2007, ceased to exist following the Taliban's takeover, forcing its members to flee the country and seek refuge in nations like Australia, the United Kingdom, and Portugal. After years of advocacy, the refugee team, now known as Afghan Women United, has been recognized, opening a path to potentially qualify for major international tournaments such as the Olympics and the World Cup.

Reuniting the team, however, has presented considerable logistical hurdles. As asylum seekers living in different countries, they have faced difficulties obtaining the necessary travel documents for joint training over the past five years. For Manozh Noori, football transcends sport; it represents her journey to escape Afghanistan. Noori grew up playing football with boys on Kabul's streets, secretly joining a local club after seeing women's football on television. Aware of her brother's disapproval, she wore a face covering to avoid recognition.

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Keep being strong as always because we represent Afghan women.