Pharaohs win the African Cup! ;)

Most Egyptians were expecting nothing but victory today. "Our land, our cup", was the slogan of the day. And they had every reason to nurture this dream. The Pharaohs, who were seeking their fifth cup title. But the pharaohs played without one of their key attackers, Mido, who was suspended from the Egyptian squad after a row with the team coach.

Before the game:
Those lucky to have tickets for the game were already prepared to be active supporters rather than passive spectators. There was cheers, jeers and a lot of singing at the stadium. Gadgets in the Egyptian national colours, such as e flags and caps, were in high demand. Pleasure spots had already put their machinery for celebration into motion.

In the game:
In the 83rd minute, Egypt thought to have scored but Tunisian referee disallowed the goal for offside.
Four minutes into extra time, the referee gave Egypt a spotkick. This was a controversial decision as Côte d'Ivoire defender Blaise Kossi Kouassi and Mohamed Barakat hardly made contact.
But captain Ahmed Hassan, who previously proved to be successful from eleven meters, now hit the left post, and Côte d'Ivoire were still alive.

In the penalty shootout, Ahmed Hassan did score the opening spot kick, after which Côte d'Ivoire's Didier Drogba had his attempt saved by Essam Al Hadari.
Abdelhalim missed Egypt's third penalty but Bakary Kone failed to take advantage and Al Hadari again chose the right corner for his second save.
From here on, all penalties were scored and Mohamed Aboutrika had the honour of taking Egypt's fifth and last, with success.

After the game:
Cairo streets, eerily deserted ahead of the Pharoahs' 4-2 defeat of Ivory Coast on penalties, erupted in joy as whole families poured out of their homes after witnessing the cup's nail-biting climax on television.
All celebrating the wonderful victory.

This final victory is Egypt's 5th ever, and the country is now Africa's only team with five continental trophies!!

Congratulations to all Egyptians and hard luck to the Ivorians.