It is in all likelihood the greatest “feel good” football story of the year. The winner of the 2013 South Asia Football Federation Championship, is none other than Afghanistan.
In December 2011, Afghanistan took on the mighty India in the SAFF Championship final, an article about which I wrote on the Roar at the time.
On that occasion, they were unable to overcome their giant opponents. However, in 2013, the roles were reversed with a dominant display in a 2-0 win.
Football is no stranger to Afghanistan. Its federation began in 1922 and its first club, Mahmoudiyeh F.C., started kicking the ball around in 1934. Still, Afghanistan remains a dangerous country, and for those developing the beautiful game there, many hurdles remain.
This result is no fluke, Afghanistan have been playing the most consistent football in the region for several years, a fact that is reflected in their FIFA ranking which is the highest for any of the SAFF nations.
A two pronged approach has been adopted by the Afghanistan Football Federation (AFF). The first prong has been a focus on the development of grass roots football and elite player development, rather than on the top leagues and national team. This is where the AFF has been investing its time and money, and it is here that the results are beginning to show.
The second prong has been to adopt the approach taken by the Azkals of the Philippines, and to draw upon Afghanistan’s large diaspora. From the team that played in the SAFF Championship final, six ply their trades in Europe or USA.
From recent call-ups during FIFA breaks, 11 players have been called up from Europe alone, with others from the USA, India and the Middle East making up the numbers.
This approach has allowed the AFF to bring together a competitive team while concentrating its minimal resources on grass-roots football and player development.
The result has been staggering.
This year alone, Afghanistan have played nine times for seven wins and two draws. People around the country tune in to watch the team in action and even prior to the tournament, the side had been ranked by FIFA as the strongest in South Asia. Politicians and business figures alike are lining up to be associated with the team and to hope that a bit of the magic rubs off.
More importantly, children around the country are kicking balls and falling in love with the sport. From the deep mountain valleys to the dusty plains, football is bringing joy to a scarred land. They now have football idols to look up to, and for once they are Afghans.
And now, Afghanistan has its first ever silverware.
From reports from friends in Kabul, gunfire erupted in the streets. For once it was celebratory. Vehicles full of young, enthusiastic supporters cruised the streets with Afghan flags flying and faces painted in red, black and green. People were proud, people were happy and perhaps most importantly, people were united.
Afghanistan has a long way to go and many obstacles in its way, however today the entire country can believe that their future is a bright one indeed.
This is the power of football.
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