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

The Afghan Women United football team, a 23-player squad made up of Afghan players living abroad, has reunited in New Zealand for a training camp and matches, travelling approximately 8,000 miles to do so. The gathering marks the first time the FIFA-recognised team has come together since FIFA ruled they could officially represent Afghanistan in international matches. Women in Afghanistan are banned from playing football under Taliban rule, making this reunion abroad a significant moment for the players, who say the sport has given them freedom and independence.