Afghanistan celebrates 1st international soccer title

GlobalPost

Afghanistan beat India 2-0 Wednesday night to take home its first international soccer title in the South Asian Football Federation Championship.

The win united a divided nation, as young and old celebrated in Kabul as they watched their national team take home the trophy in Kathmandu, Nepal.

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"I am extremely happy, and I am very proud," said Waheedullah, who like many Afghans goes by one name. "How I can explain my feelings? My friends and I were just praying, praying to be champions. It's one of the happiest days of my life."

Afghanistan was a founding member of the SAFFC, but the Taliban's rule over the country from 1996 to 2001 put a severe restriction on sports. It was only recently that the team reemerged after the US ousted the Taliban 12 years ago.

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