They were spectators at a volleyball match in the Afghan province of Paktika.

Now they're among the survivors of a suicide attack at the match that killed at least 45 people.

Officials say at least 50 more were wounded in the explosion which was set-off amid the densely-packed crowd.

(SOUNDBITE)(Dari) MAJOR GENERAL SAIWASH, HEAD OF KABUL MILITARY, SAYING:

"There was no government official among the victims of this attack. There are 17 children of various ages among the victims. There is no tribal elder or district chief to be the target of an enemy attack. These victims are all spectators at a volleyball game during a tournament among the three districts of Paktika province."

The Taliban and other jihadist militants have launched waves of suicide attacks in Afghanistan this year as foreign forces pull out.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the latest bombing in Paktika province where 89 people died in blast at a busy market in July