Hundreds of joyful supporters greeted Egypt’s national football squad on Friday following the nation’s strongest World Cup showing to date. The campaign concluded with a narrow round-of-16 defeat to Argentina.
Supporters clad in red, white and black lined the area outside the airport terminal. The players then boarded an open-top bus for a procession through the coastal city.
“We are very happy with the team,” said one fan named Mohamed Gehad. “Their spirit was high, and ours is also high as we welcome them.”
Egypt secured its first World Cup victory by defeating Australia on penalties and advanced to the last 16. The side nearly produced a major surprise against Argentina, leading 2-0 with eleven minutes remaining before the defending champions completed a 3-2 comeback.
Fans still celebrated by dancing to drum rhythms, singing national songs and wearing shirts with captain Mohamed Salah’s name. Banners read “You made us proud, men.”
“They reached a stage they had never reached before and we are proud of them,” said another supporter, Eyad Ahmed.
As the team bus departed the airport, flags waved above the crowd and supporters ran alongside until the vehicle was out of sight.
Salah posted on social media that he would work to make the result a fresh start for Egyptian football internationally.
The squad is scheduled to meet President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Saturday. The president thanked the players online for their “honourable performance.”
The Egyptian Football Association filed a complaint regarding the officiating in Tuesday’s match. Coach Hassan claimed the referees were unfair, though FIFA’s head of refereeing dismissed the claims as baseless.
