

"I fulfilled my dream and even my parents' dream because they are the ones who encouraged me a lot on this journey," the 25-year-old told AFP.

The team's goalkeeper, Lama al-Oneizi, said she was elated to be part of the team. Officials have yet to announce any sports clothing restrictions for the Saudi women, who in the past faced close scrutiny from the religious police enforcing a strict dress code. There are no women's teams affiliated with sports clubs in Saudi Arabia, whose men's team has qualified for the World Cup five times.ĭuring a training session in Riyadh, the women in the national team excitedly took to the field at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium, some of them without veils but wearing long tracksuits under their shorts. Long condemned for harsh restrictions on women, Saudi Arabia lifted a decades-old ban on female footballers only a few years ago Fayez Nureldine AFP "I dream of the day I can represent my country in the women's World Cup," she said, adding that she also hopes to play for English side Manchester City at the club level. This dark blue color is suitable for away kit and makes exactly sense with sponsors logo. Jafri is one of around 30 players selected from 400 candidates to be part of the Saudi national women's squad, according to officials. Real Madrid Kits 2020-2021 away Dream League Soccer. The shift has enabled women to get behind the wheel and take part in mixed-gender settings, even as a rigorous crackdown on dissent remains in place. The kingdom adheres to a rigid interpretation of Islam, and the involvement of women in sport is still frowned upon in some quarters.īut since the rise to power of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2017, some restrictions on women have been lifted as the country opens up to the world through sweeping reforms. Her only other outlet was watching games on television, she said. Like many other girls who were passionate about football but unable to participate in competitions, Jafri played on the street with her relatives or at school with friends. "But my family and friends used to encourage me a lot," said the ponytailed 18-year-old dressed in a jersey. The kingdom adheres to a rigid interpretation of Islam, and the involvement of women in sport is still frowned upon in some quarters Fayez Nureldine AFP
