Egyptians dance in streets for African Cup football triumph

Monday, 01 February 2010

Cairo erupted with joy on Sunday after the national football team's 1-0 triumph over Ghana in the Africa Cup of Nations final that secured Egypt's third successive championship on the continent.

Egyptian fans celebrate in the streets of Cairo after the Pharaohs beat Ghana 1-0 in the Africa Cup of Nations final

A huge roar rose over the teeming Egyptian capital as national hero Mohammed "Gedo" Nagy scored in the 85th minute, clinching victory for the Pharaohs in the final played in the Angolan capital.

Dancing and drumming broke out in the streets -- from Giza in the south to Nasr City in the north -- as delirious Egyptians rushed out onto the streets from homes and cafes, draped in the national flag and setting off bangers. "Egypt, Egypt!" cried dozens of fans as they darted between cars in the Dokki district, blocking traffic.

"It was a bit of a crazy game! I can't express how happy I am," cried Hisham, an overwhelmed young man in the Maadi district. Hani, a 35-year-old resident of Heliopolis, said it was "a footballing miracle!"

Amid patriotic music on television stations, President Hosni Mubarak sent personal congratulations to the team which remain champions of Africa despite the disappointment of not reaching the World Cup finals in South Africa.

Egypt's victory in the Africa Cup of Nations was the country's seventh and also took the Pharaohs into the record books as it was their third win of the title in a row.

The joy was shared by thousands of Palestinians in the neighbouring Gaza Strip, where cars took to the streets of Gaza City blowing their horns accompanied by cries of "Egypt, Egypt!" Supporters waved Egyptian and Palestinian flags as police of the Islamist movement Hamas which controls the territory looked on.

Sapa-AFP