As Afghan women’s soccer squad is announced, players’ fight for recognition goes on

Afghan women soccer players hold hands before a training session. CNN Doncaster, England —

Five young women are staring anxiously at a laptop. This is the call they’ve long been waiting for. A flurry of mixed emotions takes over as they each learn they have been selected by FIFA for the Afghan women’s refugee squad.

The exiled Afghan soccer players have been pushing for the right to play for their country ever since they fled Afghanistan when the Taliban swept back into power four years ago.

CNN Sports spent two days in September with several of the athletes based in the north of England. They are among dozens who were evacuated to countries including Australia, the United States and Portugal.

“Obviously, it’s just an amazing moment for all of us, I can’t wait to share it w