After decades of war and insurgency, Afghanistan wins its 1st international soccer title

KATHMANDU, Nepal – Afghanistan won its first international trophy in soccer Wednesday, beating India 2-0 in the South Asian Football Federation Championship.

The Afghans, who were a founding member of the Asian Football Confederation in 1954, have a long soccer history but only recently re-emerged on the world scene after decades of war and insurgency. When the Taliban ruled from 1996-2001, they severely restricted sports, and soccer stadiums were used to stage executions of those who ran afoul of the Islamist movement's harsh laws.

On Wednesday, Mustafa Azadzoi put Afghanistan ahead in the first half and Sanjar Ahmadi doubled the lead in the second.

When it was over, the players draped Afghan flags on their shoulders. They then held hands and started to dance in a circle in celebration.