Lisbon, Portugal (AP) — A girl from the Afghanistan national football team, who was recently granted asylum in Portugal, received a surprise visit from the senior team captain.

Farkhunda Muhtaj, a professional player who spent weeks helping out with their recent arrangements from her home in Canada relief From Afghanistan, he flew to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, for an emotional reunion with the women’s team late Wednesday.

Watching the sunset over the Tagus River, girls aged 14 to 16 and their families gathered on the riverbank, hugging Mutaji in smiles and tears and kissing.

“They were very devoted, very resilient, and ultimately looking directly at them was very emotional because they knew how much they had experienced,” Muhtaj said. rice field.

After the United States withdrew from Afghanistan, the girls and their families tried to leave the country. They were afraid of how their lives would change under the Taliban. Not only were women and girls not allowed to play sports, but they were also defenders of active members of the girls and the community.

It was the size of the group that made the rescue mission difficult. 80 people, including 26 youth team members, and other children, including adults and toddlers.

“You are a great country to influence the lives of so many girls, support us in different ways and provide asylum to these girls,” Mutaj accepted them into Portugal. Thank you for that.

According to CIA and Air Force veteran Nick McKinley, a rescue mission called the Operation Soccer Ball will take place through the United Nations of former U.S. military and intelligence officials, U.S. Senator Chris Coons, U.S. allies, and humanitarian groups. Was adjusted. The Dallas-based Deliver Fund was founded by a non-profit organization that is a safe haven for a family of 50 Afghanistan.

On Thursday, the girls were heading to a local soccer stadium for a practice session with Mutaji.