By Andrew Warshaw
August 21 – In a deeply symbolic match, hailed by FIFA as a major sporting breakthrough, Afghanistan beat neighbours Pakistan 3-0 on Tuesday, the first international game played in Kabul in a decade and the first between the two countries in the Afghan capital for over 30 years.
The so-called “friendship match” was played on a FIFA Goal project-funded artificial pitch and promoted as a means of using sport as a tool for change after years of bloody conflict in the region.
Thousands of fans packed into the ground to support the home side who sported red kits adorned with an anti-polio logo. Thousands more gathered in restaurants and coffee shops in Kabul or watched on TV sets in shop windows.
After Afghanistan’s third goal, the TV commentator could not contain his excitement: “I wish I had wings and could fly over the pitch. I am proud that I am an Afghan,” he said.
The result triggered a wave of post-match celebrations across the country. However there were few Pakistani supporters – or women fans of either team – in the 6,000-capacity crowd at the recently-built Afghanistan Football Federation (AFF) stadium.
Afghan Football Football (AFF) Secretary General Sayed Aghazada said the match showed “that after a very difficult period” Afghanistan “was returning to normality”.
“Afghan football has improved in terms of organisation and infrastructure, and we now believe that football can play an even bigger role in our country,” he said.
Pakistani officials also expressed optimism that the match would deepen the relationship between the two countries. A second game is scheduled for December, this time in the north-eastern Pakistani city of Lahore.
AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said: “The success of this match shows that football is a catalyst to bring peace. This also proves Afghanistan’s return to normalcy after decades of war.
“This game was symbolic for the South Asians and confirms football’s power to promote positive relationship between neighbouring countries.”
Shaikh Salman also praised the AFF and its establishment of the eight-team Afghan Premier League, saying it will boost the game’s popularity in the country. “The AFF has been very active to develop the game and I would like to congratulate all the stakeholders of football in Afghanistan for their role in promotion and development of the game.”
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