Their story inspired not only Australia but the global footballing world. Now, Melbourne Victory Afghan Women’s Team have been promoted for the 2023 season in Victoria.
This year, the Afghan Women’s Team – who had to flee their homeland in August 2021 as the Taliban regained control of the country – will compete in the Football Victoria’s third division.
A-Leagues club Melbourne Victory came to the aid of AWNT, supporting their return to competitive action, with the women playing under the team’s banner in 2022 and Liberty A-League Championship-winning head coach Jeff Hopkins leading their footballing comeback.
After fleeing their homeland in a life-or-death situation – with the help of Craig Foster and the Australian government – the Afghan Women almost won the league title in their first season in their new home.
They finished on 33 points in third position, just three points off top spot in Football Victoria State League 4 West.
But this year, they will be playing in the third division of football in Victoria’s state league.
