Kabul, Sep 16 (IANS): The United Nations special representative for Afghanistan Monday congratulated the Afghan national football team over their victory in the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship.

Afghanistan won their first international trophy in football Wednesday, beating India 2-0 in the final in Kathmandu, reports Xinhua.

"Afghanistan's 2-0 win over India for the SAFF Championship was a historic occasion; the country's first international football victory," said UN envoy Jan Kubis.

"The win has also seen the Afghanistan national football team rise seven places in the FIFA world rankings to 132nd, another cause for celebration."

The eight participating teams in the tourney were India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Bhutan.

Afghanistan defeated Pakistan 3-0 during a friendly game Aug 20 here, which was the first game between the neighbouring nations in 36 years.