Key Takeaways
- Hundreds of supporters welcomed Egypt’s national football team at El-Alamein airport.
- The team achieved their first-ever World Cup win and reached the last 16 for the first time.
- Captain Mohamed Salah expressed pride in the team's performance on social media.
Hundreds of jubilant Egyptians gathered outside the airport in El-Alamein to welcome home Egypt’s national football team, which had just completed their best-ever World Cup run. The team, known as the Pharaohs, were celebrated for achieving their first-ever World Cup victory and reaching the last 16 stage for the first time.
At the airport, supporters waved Egyptian flags and Palestinian flags in support of Gaza, reflecting a sense of unity among Egyptians. Mohamed Gehad, one of the fans present, expressed his happiness: 'We are very happy with the team. Their spirit was high, and ours is high as we welcome them.'
The team’s performance included a thrilling last-16 match against Argentina, where they led 2-0 before conceding two late goals to lose 3-2 in extra time. Despite this setback, supporters remained elated, dancing to the beat of drums and singing patriotic songs as the team paraded through the city.
Captain Mohamed Salah, who plays for Liverpool, was a key figure in the celebrations. He wrote on social media: 'I’ll do everything in my power to ensure this is a new beginning for Egyptian football on the international stage.' His words echoed the sentiments of many Egyptians who saw this as a significant milestone in their country’s sporting history.
The team’s coach, Hossam Hossan, was also praised. He had draped both Egyptian and Palestinian flags over himself during the tournament to show support for Gaza. This gesture drew praise from Eyad Ahmed, another fan: 'They reached a stage they had never reached before and we are proud of them.'
The celebration extended beyond El-Alamein as thousands of Egyptians gathered in makeshift cafes set up inside tents or built from salvaged materials to watch the team’s matches. These venues were particularly popular among Palestinians who watched the games with great interest.
President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi expressed his gratitude for the team's 'honourable performance' and was expected to meet the players on Saturday. The Egyptian Football Association also lodged a complaint against the officiating team from Tuesday’s match, with coach Hassan accusing officials of injustice despite FIFA rejecting these allegations.
Coach Hassan’s actions during the tournament were notable, especially his waving of a Palestinian flag after Egypt’s victory over Australia and dedicating the win to the Palestinian people. His pre-match press conference highlighted the suffering of Palestinians as a 'shame on the world' and called for football to do more to assist them.
The success of the team has not only brought joy to Egyptians but also raised hopes for the future of Egyptian football. As Salah’s words suggest, this victory is seen as a new beginning that could lead to greater achievements in international competitions.
'We are very happy with the team. Their spirit was high, and ours is high as we welcome them.'
Mohamed Gehad, Supporter
'They reached a stage they had never reached before and we are proud of them.'
Eyad Ahmed, Supporter
