KABUL, Afghanistan—The triumph of Afghanistan’s Under-17 national football team in the 2024 CAFA Championship has sparked widespread celebrations across the country, marking a rare moment of joy for a nation beset by challenges.
Afghanistan secured a 1-0 victory in the final against Uzbekistan, with the decisive goal scored by Azamuddin Hajizadeh in the 27th minute of the first half. The team’s remarkable performance throughout the tournament, which saw them remain undefeated without conceding a single goal, has been hailed as a significant achievement.
“This sweet victory belongs to all the people of Afghanistan and Muslims around the world,” said head coach Elias Manochehr. “Our team played professional football, and defeating the best teams was not an easy task, but these brave men of Afghanistan succeeded.”
Manochehr also extended his gratitude to the Afghanistan Football Federation and the National Olympic Committee for their support.
The victory, the first ever for Afghanistan’s U-17 team in the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) Championship, was met with jubilation by the players, coaching staff, and Afghan citizens alike. Celebrations included dancing and expressions of national pride, with many viewing the win as a beacon of hope during difficult times.
Prominent political figures, including former presidents Hamid Karzai and Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, and Atta Mohammad Noor, leader of the Jamiat-e Islami (Noor faction), were quick to congratulate the team.
“The victory of Afghanistan’s U-17 team is a significant achievement not just for the football team but for the grief-stricken and suffering people of Afghanistan,” said Maryam, an Afghan citizen who requested anonymity for safety reasons. “We hope these victories continue, and we also witness the participation of girls in future tournaments like the Asian Cup and the World Cup.”
Asif Hassanzai, a resident of Kabul, echoed this sentiment, noting the importance of such victories in bringing a rare sense of joy to the nation. “In these circumstances, sports are the only thing that brings us joy,” he said.
Azamuddin Hajizadeh was named the best player of the tournament, while Afghanistan’s goalkeeper, Hamid Amiri, earned the title of best goalkeeper.
The CAFA Championship, held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, from August 17 to 24, featured teams from Afghanistan, Iran, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. Uzbekistan and Tajikistan finished second and third, respectively.
