Egypt have qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1990, thanks to an injury-time penalty from Liverpool's Mohamed Salah against Congo.
The north African side are one of the giants of the continent, but have fallen short in their six previous attempts to reach the tournament. In that time, Egypt have won the Africa Cup of Nations on four occasions, including three titles in a row between 2006 and 2010.
Despite the drought, it was Liverpool's Salah who guaranteed their spot on front of an ecstatic crowd in Alexandria. A penalty deep into added time, was met with europhia on and off the field with a mini pitch invasion for good measure as well.
Fans and photographers ran onto the field at the Borg El Arab Stadium to celebrate with the Liverpool star, with one even going as far as to pray with the midfielder.
The celebrations almost got too much for goalkeeper Essam El Hadary. The 44-year-old have played over 150 times for his country and never reached a World Cup despite making his debut in 1996.
The last time Egypt reached the World Cup, the tournament featured four countries that don't even exist anymore, such has been the length of their absence. If the Republic of Ireland do qualify for Russia 2018, let's hope that we avoid Egypt. Nobody wants a repeat of the dour 0-0 draw from Italia 90.
QUALIFIED! 🙌
Congratulations, 🇪🇬Egypt! 👏
Welcome back to the #WorldCup finals and see you in 🇷🇺Russia! #WCQ pic.twitter.com/NMwoR6qMSg— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) October 8, 2017
