Masr! Masr! Masr!" was the proud chant that rose throughout Egypt on Sunday night when the captain of the Egyptian football team, Ahmed Hassan, held up the Africa Cup of Nations trophy. His team had triumphed over Ghana in a 1-0 shutout. The win was sweet redemption for a team that, much to the anguish of its fans, failed to qualify for this year's World Cup Finals. Perhaps the sense that they disappointed their nation is what gave the Egyptian players the inspiration to endure until the end. Mohamed "Gedo" Nagy, a relative newcomer to Egypt's national team, scored at the 84th minute to put Egypt ahead.
Late-night cheering, clapping and honking left no doubt on the streets of the UAE as to who had won. With thousands of Egyptian expatriates working and living here, it was difficult not to take part in an event that had nearly every shisha cafe packed during the match. Winning the African Cup for the third time has secured Egypt a place in football history. The team's showmanship and dedication allowed the Pharaohs to reclaim their throne.
