SAFF Cup win a balm for war-torn Afghanistan

The Afghan national football team received a heroic welcome from President Hamid Karzai and hundreds of fans at the Kabul airport Thursday following their big win over India in the final of the SAFF Cup football tournament in Kathmandu.

This victory delighted war-weary Afghans. ‘Thanks for football, I can enjoy and celebrate a victory for the first time in my life,’ said 22-year-old Rohulla. ‘It is a great win for Afghanistan. I am delighted by it. I had forgotten everything about the war and conflicts since last night when our football team won the match and defeated the Indians,’ Assibullah, 18, said in Kabul Ghazi Stadium where a welcoming ceremony was held.

Assibullah, who like many Afghans, goes only by one name, added that football was not only fun but could serve as a source to unit people. Another ecstatic fan said the players bring peace to the country.
‘These players can bring us peace. They can bring smile,’ said Helen Kohistani, a teenage girl. ‘President Hamid Karzai was joined by a number of senior government officials and parliament members at the Kabul International Airport to welcome home the Afghan football team who are the recent heroes for the nation.