In 2001, Afghanistan, a country seemingly in constant turmoil, was once against forced to face the daily realities of war. In the first two years of the war there were over 3,000 civilian casualties.
Unsurprisingly, football is hardly at the forefront of anybody’s mind. Despite some relative success from the national team, the country lies 177th in FIFA’s World Rankings and 38th in the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) just in between Laos and Pakistan.
Competing against football as the sport of the people is Buzkashi which involves trying to take control of a headless carcass placed in the middle of the circle. As far as I can discern, the rules are fairly similar to capture the flag, except with a headless carcass. Obviously. With a spectacle like this what chance does football really have?
Despite the prominence of Buzkashi there does seem to be some improvement in the overall standard of football. The current national coach is enjoying a respectable win percentage of 45% and in December 2011, Afghanistan enjoyed their largest victory ever beating Bhutan 8-1.
The Lions of Khorasan, as their national side is nicknamed, have never won the South Asian Football Federation cup but in 2011 they reached the final, losing out to India 4-0.
Thanks to this success, the country was invited to take part in the Nehru Cup this summer. Along with India, the Afghans will compete against sides from Africa and Europe providing a difficult test for the Lions.
It is tournaments such as the Nehru Cup that Afghanistan needs. Increased international exposure along with a higher level of opponent can only encourage the development of the sport.
Football, although obviously not the answer to all problems, can provide a form of escapism. The Nehru Cup is Afghanistan’s next chance to prove that they are a country that is on the up despite the ravages of war.
Sam Murray
thefootballjourneyman 
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