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KABUL, Afghanistan – A group of women from Afghanistan and the International Security Assistance Force fought a different kind of battle on April 1, one that took place on a soccer field.
The Afghan Women’s International Team and an ISAF women’s soccer team engaged in a match at Headquarters ISAF, and though the game ended 0-0, the real mission was accomplished.
“We all came together and played together,” said Khalida, chairperson of the Afghan Women’s' Football Committee and also a coach and player for the Afghan team. “The aim of this game was not just to play a game. It was to make friendships and know each other.”
The game was fast-paced with several attempts to score made by both teams, but to no avail.
The chance to play against another women’s team was a rare opportunity for the Afghan Women’s International Team.
“It is a big match for us,” said Khalida. “We don’t have any other teams like our team in Afghanistan. It’s exciting to play against girls from other countries.”
The Afghan women also had to overcome mindsets in a country that opposes women playing sports. Some women even left their families in order to play, explained U.S. Army Lt. Col. Cindy Hazel, a player on the ISAF women’s team.
The match was the second time the two teams have played each other; the first game was in October2010, and the Afghan Women’s International Team won, 1-0. Despite no victory at the second match, the Afghan team is improving their skills on the field.
“I’ve seen them play since they earned their first Federation International of Football Association point,” said U.S. Marine Sgt. Danielle Figueroa, who played and coached the ISAF team for both games. “Now with more practice, they have more confidence and they are a better team.”
“They are small and quick,” said Hazel. “We had a great time and everyone was hugging after the game. We didn’t care that nobody officially won.”
The 0-0 score did not attest to the players’ feelings about the true mission of the match.
“I believe we are a part of history, said Figueroa. “I have my faith with the Afghan Women’s International Team and women’s sports as a whole. This is just the beginning. There is a platform and it is growing for them.”
| Date Taken: | 04.02.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 04.02.2011 08:11 |
| Story ID: | 68144 |
| Location: | KABUL, AF |
| Web Views: | 115 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Afghan and ISAF women’s game ends 0-0; win for both teams, by SSgt Stacey Haga, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
