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In London, a team of refugee Afghan women played against the »Women's Parliamentary Team« at the end of March
Photo: Justin Tallis / AFP
For the first time since fleeing the Taliban, players from Afghanistan's national women's soccer team have played in a league match in Australia.
The result in Sunday's amateur league was a goalless draw, but the game was still like a win for the Afghan women.
Eight months ago, Australia helped dozens of Afghan internationals and their families flee after the Taliban regained power.
Most of them settled in and around Melbourne and were able to return to the field with the help of the Melbourne Victory women's team.
"We continue our struggle to play for the Afghan people," team captain Nilab told AFP.
Since their escape, the Taliban have severely restricted women's freedoms.
"These young women just want a chance to be treated equally and play the game they love," said coach Jeff Hopkins after the 0-0 draw against Melbourne's ETA Buffalo SC in the Victoria State League 4 West.
The supposed Afghan winner was disallowed for offside.
Matching the game, Melbourne Victory also presented the new jersey.
The jersey features numbers and the national flag of Afghanistan but not the players' names to ensure the safety of families back home.
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