Africa Cup of Nations champions Algeria arrived home Saturday to a big celebration from thousands of fans as the streets of Algiers were packed.
An early strike earned a 1-0 victory over Senegal in Friday's final in Cairo, propelling Algeria to a first Cup of Nations title in 29 years and maiden one on overseas soil.
The players, with winner's medals around their necks and captain Ryad Mahrez hoisting the cup in the air, were given a red carpet welcome at the airport and greeted by prime minister Noureddine Bedoui.
Their bus was decorated with two stars, marking their second African Cup triumph, and emblazoned with the words "We are proud of you" in Arabic and Amazigh, or Berber, the North African country's two official languages.
Madjid, a 28-year-old fan, said: "I didn't sleep all (Friday) night but I had to be here at (the capital's) May 1 Square", where the players on the bus were met with a sea of supporters.
On Friday night, Baghdad Bounedjah gave Algeria a dream start in the second minute when his deflected shot looped over Senegal goalkeeper Alfred Gomis, and it proved enough for the 1990 champions to lift the trophy on foreign soil for the first time.
