Egyptian National Team Receives Hero’s Welcome After AFCON 2021 Final Run
In February 2022, thousands of Egyptian football fans gathered at Cairo International Airport to greet the national team as it returned home following its historic run to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final. The squad, captained by Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah, had secured Egypt’s first appearance in the continental final since 2017, sparking nationwide celebrations despite a narrow penalty‑shootout loss to Senegal.
Fans Celebrate at Cairo International Airport
Upon arrival, supporters waved Egyptian flags, held up photographs of Salah, and chanted slogans of pride. The atmosphere was described by local media as “electric,” with families, youth groups, and former players joining the reception. Video footage broadcast by Nile TV showed crowds stretching from the terminal gates to the airport’s main hall, underscoring the deep connection between the team and the Egyptian public.
Historic Achievement: First AFCON Final Since 2017
Egypt’s path to the final included victories over Ivory Coast (1‑0 in the quarter‑finals) and Cameroon (2‑1 after extra time in the semi‑finals). The team’s defensive organization, anchored by goalkeeper Mohamed El‑Shenawy, and Salah’s attacking thrust were highlighted in the CAF technical report (CAF, 2022). Reaching the final marked Egypt’s best performance in the tournament since winning the title in 2010.
Meeting with President Abdel Fattah el‑Sisi
Following the airport welcome, the squad was received by President Abdel Fattah el‑Sisi at the presidential palace. In his remarks, the president praised the players for their “honorable performance” and described the campaign as “an unprecedented success for Egyptian football,” a sentiment echoed in the official state news agency (State Information Service, 2022).
Controversy Over Refereeing and VAR Decisions
The celebrations were tempered by debate over several officiating decisions during the final against Senegal. Critics pointed to a disputed handball call in the first half and a potential penalty that was not awarded after a challenge on Salah inside the box. The African Football Confederation’s referee committee later acknowledged that the video assistant referee (VAR) protocol was applied, but noted that the subjective nature of the incidents left room for interpretation (CAF Referee Committee, 2022). The discussion reignited broader conversations about the consistency and transparency of VAR usage in African continental competitions.
- Date of final: 6 February 2022 (Stade d’Olembé, Yaoundé, Cameroon)
- Result: Egypt 0‑0 Senegal (Senegal won 4‑2 on penalties)
- Key player: Mohamed Salah (captain, 3 appearances, 1 goal)
- Attendance at final: Approximately 60,000 spectators
