Banned from football at home, Afghan women's team reunite 8,000 miles away

The Afghan women's national football team, previously banned from representing their country due to the Taliban's restrictions, has reunited in New Zealand after Fifa granted them permission to play officially. The 23-player squad, comprised of Afghan players living abroad, traveled to New Zealand for a training camp and two friendly matches against the Cook Islands.

This marks the first time the team has gathered since the ruling, as they previously required the Afghanistan Football Federation's approval, which was unattainable under the Taliban. The national women's team, established in 2007, had been disbanded under the Taliban's regime, and its members were among those evacuated to countries like Australia, the UK, and Portugal.

The current squad, Afghan Women United, is excited to play together, with players like midfielder Fatima Haidari expressing emotion and gratitude. Haidari, who now lives in Australia, faced significant challenges and threats from her family before resuming her football career. Many of the players, including coach Manozh Noori and defender Najma Arefi, highlight the importance of football in their lives and its role in helping their families get out of Afghanistan.