Afghanistan Win First International Title

[Folami David]

Afghanistan won their first international trophy in football on Wednesday, beating India 2-0 in the South Asian Football Federation Championship.
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The Afghans, who were a founding member of the Asian Football Confederation in 1954, have a long football history but only recently re-emerged on the world scene after decades of war and insurgency.
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When the Taliban ruled from 1996-2001, they severely restricted sports and football stadiums were used to stage executions of those who ran afoul of the Islamist movement's harsh laws.
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Afghanistan have never played at the World Cup, or even at the Asian Cup. But the country has been getting better in recent years, rising up the Fifa rankings to No 139 on the latest list.
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On Wednesday, Mustafa Azadzoi put Afghanistan ahead early in the first half at Dashrath Stadium, and Sanjar Ahmadi doubled the lead in the second.
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When it was over, the Afghan players walked around the field with Afghan flags draped on their shoulders.
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They then held hands and started to dance in a circle in celebration.
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"I'm proud of my whole country. I congratulate my dear countrymen," Afghanistan goalkeeper Mansur Faqiryar said.
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The win over India avenged the team's loss in the SAFF Championship final two years ago. India beat the Afghans 4-0 in the 2011 championship match.
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In Kabul, some Afghans gathered in Mecca Market, a store selling a variety of items, to watch the game on TV. Shortly after it ended, celebratory gunfire was heard around the capital.

[Shola Sholaz]

It actually feels strange to see football and India in the same sentence...This is really good though cos I'll love to see them play!