Banned from football at home, Afghan women's team reunite 8,000 miles away - BBC News

Women in the team, which is recognised by Fifa, say football has given them freedom and independence.

Image source, Phil Walter/Getty ImagesImage caption, The Afghan women's football team gathered for the first time since Fifa ruled they could represent their country in official matches

The changing room is busy with footballers going through their pre-match routines. Some stretch and tighten their boots, others embrace.

"Be strong as always because we are representing Afghan women," says midfielder Fatima Haidari to fellow members of Afghan Women United.

Applause erupts in the room where an Afghan flag hangs and a patriotic song is played. As the women sing along some struggle to hold back tears.

There's a final team huddle with words of encouragement from their coach before they head out to the pitch – a place that for years they had been told they did not belong.