LONDON:

An Afghan women's refugee team lost 6-1 to Chad in a FIFA-organized tournament in Morocco on Sunday but for the players the match itself represented a victory after being denied the chance to play the sport they love back home.

Women's sport has been banned in Afghanistan since the Taliban government took over in 2021, prompting players to flee the country fearing persecution.

Prior to the Taliban's takeover, Afghanistan had 25 women players under contract, most of whom now live in Australia.

The women's national team last played an international match in 2021, losing 5-0 to Qatar, but in May world soccer's governing body approved the creation of an Afghan women's refugee team, with Pauline Hamill named as coach.

The team chose "Afghan Women United" as their official name foll

See Full Page