Coming just three weeks after the capital erupted in jubilation following the Afghan National Football Team's historic victory over Pakistan, a hair-raising 1-0 victory over Nepal in the semi-finals of the 2013 South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Cup on Sunday sparked similar celebrations in Kabul and across the country.
The national team's victory, while similar on the surface to the 1-0 victory Afghanistan had over Nepal in the SAFF semi-finals two years ago in New Delhi, was a nail-biter unlike any in recent memory that saw both sides leave it all on the field. But other than offering the sweet satisfaction of tasting victory after a long and hard fought battle, Sunday's win marked the continuation of a trend of success that has Afghans feverish with excitement over the Lions of Khorasan.
"I'm extremely happy and feel that Afghanistan has become a world champion," a Kabul resident who joined in the street festivities Sunday night told TOLOnews. "It's really a joyful moment for me."
Afghans in the capital city and provinces near and far spilled into the streets and onto social media to revel in the unforgettable victory that only saw one goal notched early on – by Afghan attacker Sandjar Ahmadi (#11) – and not a very elegant goal at that. Instead, the game's greatest thrill came in the second half when two consecutive penalty kicks were saved by the Afghan goalkeeper Mansur Faqiryar (#1), who was declared the "man of the match" after the game.
The penalty kicks came resulted from two questionable calls by the officiating crew – the first against Faqiryar for knocking down a Nepalese forward when he came out to collect a cross and the second against Faqiryar again when supposedly stepped over his line prematurely during the first take.
Nevertheless, the Afghan keeper was able to keep his team in the lead, helping his side beat back a daunting offensive onslaught by Nepal in the second half. Afghans across the country on Sunday night chanted Faqiryar's name and celebrated his heroism via Facebook and Twitter.
"Long Live Afghanistan! We defeated Nepal 1-0 on their home ground," one Kabul resident said.
In addition to the street celebrations Sunday night, President Hamid Karzai and a number of political leaders spoke out in support of the team and praised them for their success.
"It was a huge point of pride for Afghanistan to beat Nepal in the SAFF Cup," MP Zahir Qadir told TOLOnews.
The victory on Sunday was not without its casualties, however. In the second half, Afghan defender Farzad Ataee (#14) was carted off the pitch and hospitalised after being kneed in the back by Gurung as they both went up for a fifty-fifty ball.
But the team's medical staff assured on Monday that Attayee was recovering well and would be participating in the SAFF final against the winner of the India vs. Maldives semi-final match being played on Monday.
"Farzad Attayee has been discharged from the hospital. He feels well now and is able to participate in the final match to support his team," said Bahram Sediqi, the team's senior trainer.
The championship match is scheduled for Wednesday night and will be broadcasted live on TOLO and Lemar TV. With the recent history of success behind them, there is reason to expect a good outcome in the finals. Win or lose, however, the national team has certainly built a following for themselves, with Afghans everywhere standing behind them.
"Afghanistan's entry into the final match is a great honor to our nation," a Kabul resident said.