It had all looked so good. When Egypt scored an early goal putting them ahead of Cameroon in last night’s African Cup of Nations final, it seemed like a repeat of their 2006 victory was in the bag.
But an 88th minute winner for Cameroon meant heartbreak for the Pharaohs, who are Africa’s most successful team.
The defeat is a bitter pill to swallow for football-mad Egyptians. The cafes and coffee-shops of Cairo were packed-out last night with fans hoping for a record eighth Afcon win.
Patriotic Egyptians, however, have been quick to flood social media with words of pride and comfort for their national team. Among them, Mohamed Aboutrika, the retired Egyptian footballing legend who recently made headlines after he was placed on his country’s infamous “terror list”.
Thank you to the [true] men of Egypt. We would have liked to take the tournament, but that's football. You offered a model of diligence, spirit and determination. We'll see you at the 2018 World Cup and, God willing, we will be with you.
Actress Rasha Mahdi also offered her encouragement to the defeated side.
The national team needs our support when they lose more than when they win. #Egypt #YouMadeUsProud
Meanwhile, there was no lack of national pride on Twitter, in spite of the defeat, as fans used the hashtag “O heroes of our national team.”
It just wasn't meant to be for Egypt tonight!
Still proud of my boys for coming so far #منتخبنا_يا_ابطال #مصر #Egypt pic.twitter.com/pT0JkatSVJ— Mariam (@mariamthefive) February 5, 2017
hard Luck
— مى عبد العزيز (@my2011my2011) February 5, 2017
#منتخبنا_يا_ابطال pic.twitter.com/uh54h48Vue
#منتخبنا_يا_ابطال
— ميكى. (@FatmaHamdii9) February 5, 2017
Still proud of you
#منتخبنا_يا_ابطال شكرا علي الرجولة .. شكرا علي التفاني والاخلاص .. شكرا علي مجهودكم الجبار علشان تفرحونا .. انتم ابطال
— عبدالحليم أفندي (@Abdelhalim1980) February 6, 2017
Thank you for your manliness... Thank you for your dedication and sincerity... Thank you for your powerful efforts in order to make us happy... You are champions.
The outpouring of affection was most concentrated upon Essam El-Hadary, the veteran Egyptian goalkeeper. The 44-year-old living-legend had not conceded a single goal during the tournament until last Wednesday’s semi-final against Burkina Faso.
#منتخبنا_يا_ابطال
— Sohaila Kamel (@sohailaso1) February 5, 2017
El-Hadry the hulk pic.twitter.com/hPSmEbrI2B
#شكرا_منتخبنا_المصري_شرفتونا #منتخبنا_يا_ابطال
— إبن_الكيان (@mohamedaamer74) February 6, 2017
ارفع راسك فوق ياحضري , دموعك غالية علينا .. الحمدلله ع كل حال ,, وقدر الله وماشاء فعل pic.twitter.com/Dsy5GWpQap
Raise up your head, El-Hadary, your tears are dear to us… Thank God in any case… This is what God wills…
Even Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has commended the team on their valiant performance, al-Wafd reported. The military general turned leader said on Sunday night that in spite of the result, the team had won the esteem of the entire Egyptian people, as well as worldwide respect.
RA
