Algerians celebrate big win over Egypt

2009-06-08

The Fennecs had to beat Egypt to keep their World Cup dreams hopes alive. After Algeria delivered a decisive win over their long-time rivals, fans took to the streets in celebration. They're still at it.

Mona Yahia in Tunis contributed to this report – 08/06/09

[Getty Images] Algeria's Abdelkader Ghezzal (L) fights for the ball with Egypt's Ahmed Hany (C) and Hany Sayed (R)

Algeria defeated archrivals Egypt 3-1 in a crucial African/World Cup combined qualifier played at the Stade Mustapha-Tchaker in Blida on Sunday (June 7th).

The win excited fans all over the world. Cities and towns across Algeria launched street celebrations after the night match ended. People immediately poured outside as soon the nationally-televised broadcast was over to honk horns, sing victory songs and set off bangers and fireworks.

"Beating Egypt is like winning the World Cup," young Mostaganem resident Anis told Goal.com. "By toppling the champion of Africa, we have every reason to believe in a terrific future."

From Barbès in Paris to the Vieux Port in Marseille, the large expatriate community in France was equally thrilled by the win.

Soon after the match ended around 11:30 pm, Marseille erupted in a symphony of car horns and songs, AFP reported. "In 1998, we were behind Zizou. Tonight, it's for Algeria. We're fortunate to have two countries," said Algerian expat Karim Djaoudi.

Before 40,000 spectators, three of Algeria's best scored the historic victory. Karim Matmour scored the first goal in the 60th minute. Abd Kader Gzal scored the second in the 64th and Rafik Jabour tapped the third in the 78th.

Mohammed Abou Trika scored Egypt’s lone goal in the 86th minute.

The victory allows Algeria to share the Group C lead with Zambia. Each have four points, but Algeria have a +2 goal average. The Algerian squad head to Zambia for the third day match on June 20th.

It also boosted hopes that Algeria may make it to the World Cup in South Africa after 24 years. Algeria last played in the 1986 World Cup.

Before the game, Algerian coach Rabah Sadaan said that his team had a "difficult mission ahead."

"The mission is not impossible though," he added, "the team was prepared to face the challenge and grab victory."

And they did.

Sports analyst Khaled Bayoumi said that the victory was not that hard for the Algerians, for technical reasons. "Players in the Egyptian squad are relatively older," he said. "They gave a good performance in the first half time. The second, however, was a haphazard game. Players were not well-distributed across the turf. Added to that is the drop in their morale."

Fans and sports experts agreed with this analysis to some extent. During the second half-time, they said, the Egyptian team was much weaker, especially after the first Algerian goal. The Algerian team scored their three goals in less than 20 minutes, whereas the defence and centre of the Egyptian team were visibly disunited, which in turn gave Algerian forwards ample opportunity to crush their opponents.

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In the past, Egypt played against Algeria in 16 official games of which Algeria won five and drew in seven. All in all, Algeria scored 18 goals against Egypt, compared to 17 for Egypt.

Results were also mixed whenever the two teams met for friendlies. Algeria beat Egypt 4 times, the Pharaohs defeated the Algerians twice and they played to two draws. Overall, Algeria scored 10 goals and Egypt scored 9.

Back in Algiers, the street party continued all night long. In the neighborhoods of Bordj El Bahri and El Harrach, Kouba and Bab El Oued, young and old, women and children celebrated the Greens' triumph. Long convoys of cars decorated with the national flag and blasting rai music drove through the streets. People even walked around carrying beer cans, Fennecs' colours draped around their necks, without encountering any interference by police officers, Tout sur l'Algerie reported.

The celebrations were still under way on Monday morning.

This content was commissioned for Magharebia.com.
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comments

narjiss Posted 2009-06-08

Congratulations and may God assist you in coming games God willing, oh Lord. I hope from God, even if my country Morocco didn't win, that you will make us happy. May God assist you.

mouh_const Posted 2009-06-09

Long live the Algerians! You will never lay a finger on my country!

سوسو ام الطيور Posted 2009-06-09

Amen, my Lord, amen all Algerians will be happy, amen my Lord. We have won Egypt and have vain, amen my Lord, amen my Lord we have come out of the match victorious, amen my Lord amen. We will keep on resisting and win the world cup to make all Algerians happy, amen my Lord, amen. Congratulations Douayr Al Baida.

سوسو ام الطيور Posted 2009-06-09

Please show me how to find my comment.

abdoujoker22 alg Posted 2009-06-09

By God, may God be with us. Thank you, our Moroccan and Tunisian brothers!

Bendriss Mohamed Amine Posted 2009-06-09

Long live Algeria! God willing we will take the World Cup!

lilia Posted 2009-06-09

Good evening to all the people of the Maghreb, especially the Algerians. Congratulations! God willing, we will take the World Cup! By God, I love my country so much! May God protect us. –Thank you

-tiaret.aek Posted 2009-06-09

In the name of God. Praise be to God for this victory of the Algerian national team against its Egyptian rival who was arrogant before the game. They considered themselves already qualified to the world cup immediately after the draw. What happened to you sons of Youssra and Laila Oulwi? Has the absence of Nancy Ajram affected you? As to us Algerians, we have a history, not women movies and words. We win matches and achieve results but you are good at talking which is free. Bye, their head Jebbour.

حسنى Posted 2009-06-09

Egyptians are Pharaohs and Algerians are the most evil creatures.

رمزي جبايلي Posted 2009-06-09

The victory of the Algerian national team was the result of the strength of the desert foxes and their professional work in both the performance and the result. However, Egyptians didn't accept the crushing defeat and didn't recognize the strength of the Algerians. So they attributed the causes of their defeat to the weakness of their team whose power they were boasting. They put forward as evidence to this the two titles of the African Cup of Nations snatched in a row by their team.

malisa Posted 2009-06-09

Congratulation to our team. I always think about this day, 7 June, it is my birthday.

حلوي حسين Posted 2009-06-10

Salam alikum. I am from Oued Arhiou. I thank the football national team for its deserved victory against the Egyptian team with 3-1. I am very happy. All residents of Oued Arhiou are happy. We have made a big celebration with songs and dancing. I hope our team will qualify to the world and African cups, amen Lord of creatures.

الياس خلاف Posted 2009-06-10

I am Ilyas Khellaf. I love my country 100%. I am proud of it, I will sacrifice myself for it. I am happy with this result 3-1 for Algeria. I went to bed at midnight. This is for my dear country. I celebrated with my friends this third goal. We have wandered about in all the parts of our municipality Brich, district of Ain Al Baida, province of Oum Al Baouaki. Long live Algeria.

benguerba djamel Posted 2009-06-10

Long live Algeria until death! Long live the national team! We are behind you until the end! Yes! Yes!

صباح جزائرية وافتخر.... Posted 2009-06-11

Congratulations to the Algerian national team, by God you deserve it stars, hopefully for the world cup which has become closer. Algeria of pride and dignity. The Algerian people offer the victory to president Abdelaziz Bouteflika. This is just the beginning there is still more to come.

ناوي لخضر Posted 2009-06-11

We hope to reconcile with the brotherly Moroccan people on the condition of stopping poisons that come from the other side. Therefore, it should be love based on cooperation to fight anything which harms both people.

ناوي لخضر Posted 2009-06-11

Peace, mercy and blessings of God be upon you. Yes this is the concern of Algerians who aren't known by the world. They have everything that can make a miracle in hard times. Victory has come with the will of God the Almighty with the determination of young people who are concerned about this dear nation who gave a full lesson to Egyptians whose dream has collapsed with smoke. Three goals have killed an ancient people with the mother of the world civilization. Long live Algeria. Long live the Algerian national teams champions. Victory is coming to the world cup, to South Africa.

ابتسام Posted 2009-06-11

Congratulations for us. I saw the game even if I had the baccalaureate exam the following day.

اسماءبوشارب Posted 2009-06-11

God willing the world cup in South Africa. Five in the eyes of enviers.

lotfi_24 Posted 2009-06-12

The victory of the Algerian national team was the result of the strength of the desert foxes and their professional work in both the performance and the result. In the name of God, praise be to God for this victory of the Algerian national team over his Egyptian rival who was arrogant before the game as they considered themselves already qualified to the world cup immediately after the draw. I love my country 100%. I am proud of it and will sacrifice myself for it. I am happy with the result 3-1 for Algeria. I slept at midnight. This is for my dear country. I celebrated with my friends the third goal. We have wandered about in all the parts of our municipality. Long live Algeria. Many congratulations to the Algerian national team. By God you deserve it stars, hopefully for the world cup which is closer. Algeria of pride and dignity. The Algerian people offer to the president Abdelaziz Bouteflika. This is just the beginning. There is more to come. I hope that our team qualifies to the World Cup and African Cup. Amen, oh Lord of creatures.

malina Posted 2009-06-12

Stop adding fuel to the fire. The Algerians are proud of their team, Period - can of beer in hand and tra-la-la. This is a way for you to tarnish the image of the Algerians? One! Two! Three! Long live Algeria! Make us dream, Greens! Good luck on the next one, my countrymen!

ناصر Posted 2009-06-13

In the name of God the most gracious the most merciful. Result: 1-3 for Algeria against Egypt. This is just a football match. The biggest winner is the sport spirit and Arab brotherhood between the sons of the Islamic nation. God willing Algeria will qualify to the world cup finals in South Africa and repeat the epic of Khikhoune 1982, say amen!

hasan Posted 2009-06-13

I am Algerian. I thank all of our Moroccan brothers who supported us in the match against Egypt. I would have liked Morocco to win against Cameroon. What a shame. God willing, Morocco and Algeria will go to the World Cup. I would like to tell you that I am a great admirer of Merouane Chamakh and Hamdaoui. Long live Algeria and long live Morocco, forever!

malina Posted 2009-06-13

What has happened to the freedom of expression???

هدى Posted 2009-06-14

Oh Lord protect the Algerian team from the eyes of the envious. Oh Lord bring joy to the Algerian people according to their optimism. Praise be to God.

بريكة Posted 2009-06-16

Congratulations for us the three goals. Where are your players Chahata ? Where is Khaled and Ghandour? God willing we will go to the world cup. One, two, three long live Algeria.

لجين ام العيون Posted 2009-06-17

We expect the victory over Zambia cubs of Algeria.

زكريا Posted 2009-06-18

This the result of the Egyptian arrogance and excessive enthusiasm to win over Algeria. But this has gone with the wind. Praise God for the victory hopefully for Zambia God willing...Mohamed Zakaria Metalli from El Media.

malik Posted 2009-06-18

Long live Algeria, my country, which I so love! Even though I live in Marseille, I am 100% with my country! God willing, we will see you at the 2010 World Cup. I would like to send my greetings to Tlemcen and, more especially, to Yassine and Nadir in Saidi Said.

bent casa Posted 2009-06-19

I am very, very happy and joyful because the Algerian team has won. We are always brothers because we are Maghreb people and one nation. God willing they will take it because we encourage you so much.

YASMINE Posted 2009-06-20

Congratulations to us.

YASMINE Posted 2009-06-20

Long live Algeria. God willing we will take the world cup!

قاسم Posted 2009-06-20

May God protect the Algerian team from the eyes of the enviers. God has brought joy to the Algerian people according to their optimism. Praise be to God. I wish them success and long life. Oh Lord make them win in the world cup.

lazghem Posted 2009-06-22

I thank the national team.

يزيد Posted 2009-06-22

After the great victory over Egypt, there was the greatest victory over Zambia. God willing we will go to the world cup. Oh Lord protect us from the eye.

موسى Posted 2009-06-22

We Algerians are people mad for our national team. We would have to slay all teams in order to go the finals of the world cup.

موسى من وامري المدية Posted 2009-06-22

We celebrated on the day on which Algeria won Egypt and Zambia. We will burn Algeria if we qualify to the world cup.

nabil Posted 2009-06-23

Congratulations, congratulations, congratulations. God willing the world cup.

djamel Posted 2009-06-26

I would like to congratulate the national team after their great two performances against Egypt and Zambia. We MUST always keep our feet on the ground and hopefully incha allah we will be in South Africa next year. Our team is young and it will be a great experience for them this world cup for the future, we know we will not win the world cup but experience is vital for those young boys. I am disappointed with the results of the morrocan team because they play good football. It is a great shame. It is time for us to enjoy those victories even if it is for a while. Allah may be with you all the time.

هاجرشراطي Posted 2009-06-26

Hadjer posted 19 days ago. God willing Algeria will qualify to the world cup. God willing, God will protect us from the eyes of the jealous. The victory is a victory for every family on the territory of Algeria. Many congratulations.

ANTAR ALLOUN Posted 2009-07-01

Thanks to the national team for their victory over Egypt.

كريمة Posted 2009-07-03

I think that everyone has become sick of football. May God heal you. Amen.

Mohamed Benkalfallah Posted 2009-07-05

Salam alikoum , I`m Algerian ,I now live in London.The victory over Egypt was a turning point in our lovely Algeria just to show the world ,we`re back on track after along time absence .there is still a lot of work to do ,we`ve got two home games playing Rowanda ,and Zambia in our 5 July staduim ,we ought to be causious ,by winning the next two games inchallah ,our visa to the world cup will have been granted then. Today marks a crucial event in our history , the day of independence July 5th 1962. I would like to take this opportunity to wish our martyrs , Hasiba Benbouli ,Ali lapwant ,Mourad besaifi and all our martyrs an everlasting paradise to have and enjoy whatever they long for . I love you our martyrs , I love you my cute Algeria ,you `re always in my heart ,my tears flow for you . you remain the best ,we do everything to keep you on top, love you.

عبد الغقور Posted 2009-07-08

A very good match against the Egyptian team. We wish to win all other matches.

zozo Posted 2009-07-14

After the great victory over Egypt, there was a greater victory over Zambia. Algeria is moving steadily towards the world cup.

علاء Posted 2009-07-18

God willing the Egyptian national team will play in the world cup 2010. Our qualification will be on the detriment of the Algerian team. I am Egyptian and I say to Algerians we are eagerly waiting for the game between Egypt and Algeria. I say to the Algerian people and players you will go out from Egypt to hospital because you are absurd and impolite people.

رمضان Posted 2009-07-29

Praise be to God because we defeated Egypt and God granted us victory.

jaber Posted 2009-09-08

I am from Morocco. I like Algeria so much. I hope you will honour us and lift our heads high. We are all brothers. You have made us happy against Egyptians. God willing, you will defeat them in their country. This not new for the Algerian people.

Omar Posted 2009-10-13

Greetings from a fan from Masr. To all the Algerians, Moroccans, & whoever else here celebrating the Algerian successes so far, I'm sorry, but we will break your heart & your dreams on November 14th & embarress you with another 5-2 score like before. Do not let 1 good game fool you into thinking YOU are the Kings of Africa. Where were you in 2006 & 2008 even? Where was Morocco, where was Tunis? Where were you when Masr almost beat Brazil, & beat Italy in the Confederations Cup? The Maghreb is full of envy, achieve something so that a win against Egypt isn't your biggest goal. I hope the Egyptian fans show your team & delegation the same respect that the fans in Annaba showed the Egyptian team in 2001. Nothing would make me happier than to see the same exact thing happen again.

أيمان Posted 27 days ago

God willing Algeria will go to the world cup. Long live Algeria and the Arab Maghreb. With you greens you will achieve good results.

FARES SARHAN Posted 18 days ago

I AM EGYPTIAN AND I WOULD LIKE TO SAY EVERY ALGERIAN THAT WALKS INTO EGYPT WILL BE HUMILIATED AND DRAGGED AROUND THE STREETS. YOU DON'T DESERVE TO SET A FOOT ON OUR SOIL IN THE FIRST PLACE.

amazigh Posted 8 days ago

Long live Algeria! Long live Morocco! Algeria is my country. Morocco is my second country. I love Morocco. My brother Moroccans, you are our true brothers. We too are behind you. I love Morocco. I love Morocco.

عادل المصرى Posted 5 days ago

God willing we will defeat Algeria and you will disqualify in our country. You will see what the Egyptian fans will do. All the stadium will be lit up with fireworks.

اميرة الجزائرية Posted 5 days ago

It is Algeria which will qualify. But you Egyptians aren't footballers. Look for somewhere else to play as you play in Rotana and melody, hahaha.

مصريه وافتخر Posted 4 days ago

Egypt is the mother of the world. Algeria is a nice country, too. All of Egypt loves it. You defeated us 3-0 then we beat you 2-0. Next time, we will play to a draw, God willing, hahahaha.

ابراهيم المصرى Posted 4 days ago

Hahahaha. Today we are the winners. In Sudan, we will be victorious; we Egyptians defeated Algeria in Cairo 2-0. Dance, Greens!

امين جزائري Posted 1 day ago

Hey Pharaohs, you defeated us with blows, but not in football. Hey Pharaohs, you say we are mother of the world, hahaha. We are Algerians; long live the year 2004, we’re going to South Africa, God willing. God is the greatest.

From Belgium Posted 1 day ago

We are all with Algeria. Congratulations to the Greens. One, two, three, Long live Algeria! Congratulations to the Algerian team, the country of Arabism and Islam, the country which is proud to be Arab and Muslim. It is not proud to be associated with the Pharaohs. All the Jordanian and Palestinian people are with you, Greens.

كوثر Posted 1 day ago

One billion congratulations to Algerians on November 18, 2009.

حياة Posted 1 day ago

Salam alikum. Congratulations people of dear and clean Algeria. God willing, to the World Cup, oh Lord, congratulations! I am very, very happy. 1,2, 3 long live Algeria!

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