Manoozh Noori expressed deep despair when the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021, as it meant she could no longer pursue her passion for playing football. Noori, now 22 years old, left the country, where the United Nations has labeled the situation as “gender apartheid,” and joined a team of Afghan refugee women. This team recently participated in a groundbreaking tournament held in Morocco.
Reflecting on her decision, Noori shared, “I had to ask myself: do I want to remain in a place where women are restricted from education, playing sports, and other activities?” The Taliban regime has enforced strict limitations on women, including prohibiting girls and women from attending school beyond the age of 12, restricting job opportunities, public services, and sports participation.
Despite familial pressures, Noori had represented Afghanistan professionally by playing for the national women’s team before the Taliban’s resurgence. To safeguard her accomplishments, she buried her trophies and medals in her family’s backyard before relocating to Australia.
Noori’s team, Afghan Women United, was established across Europe and Australia, where other team members have also settled since 2021. They recently competed in their first international matches at the FIFA Unites: Women’s Series in Morocco. Noori notably scored the team’s inaugural goal in the opening game against Chad, although they faced defeats against Chad and Tunisia but managed a remarkable 7-0 victory over Libya.
The participation of Afghan Women United in the tournament was highly praised, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino commending their journey as “a beautiful story” that inspires girls and women worldwide. Nilab Mohammadi, a 28-year-old striker and former soldier, emphasized that football represents life and hope, especially in the constrained environment for Afghan women.
Amidst their challenges, the team remains resolute in their pursuit to be recognized by FIFA as the official Afghan national women’s team. A researcher on gender equity in sports, Aish Ravi, lauded the players for their resilience and strength in overcoming significant obstacles to continue playing football, emphasizing that the sport signifies freedom for them.
Looking ahead, the players aspire to compete in official international matches representing Afghanistan, despite the uncertainties surrounding FIFA’s decision. Despite the difficulties of being away from home, midfielder Mina Ahmadi emphasized the importance of pushing forward and staying focused on their goals.