|
World Cup soccer returns to Afghanistan, supplanting former execution ground
World Cup soccer returned to Afghanistan on Sunday in a match at the stadium once used by the Taliban regime for public executions. The team lost - a respectable 2-0 defeat to neighbouring Turkmenistan - but that was a side issue. Some 2,500 Afghan fans cheered for their team every time the ball made it over midfield, and there was no violence. "I am so very proud, for myself and for my nation," said Ali Ahmad, a 19-year-old midfielder on the national team. "Some day, God will help us reach the World Cup final." Fans said they felt immense pride to be hosting a FIFA-sanctioned match, though some were embarrassed by the condition of the stadium, which is pocked by bullets and a bit short on grass. A shell slammed into the field during the civil war that largely destroyed Kabul from 1992-96. The Taliban regime, which came to power in 1996, initially banned soccer. They later relented, but demanded players wear "proper" clothes - long trousers and sleeves - and stop for prayers during matches. Fans were forbidden to cheer. The Taliban used Kabulâs main stadium for executions, with condemned men and women shot at midfield. "Today is a happy day," said Mohammed Qasim, a 22-year-old policemen standing guard on the field. "This used to be an execution ground for the old regime. But sport is an ambassador of peace."Posted by: TS 2003-11-23 |
| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=21687 |