The Algerian national football team, Les Verts, returned home to a hero's welcome yesterday afternoon after winning the CAN championship in Egypt. The team landed at Houari Boumediene airport at 13h55 minutes, with the trophy in hand, and was greeted by Prime Minister Nordine Bedoui and other government officials. The players, who looked tired after a long night of celebration, were welcomed with cheers and applause as they stepped off the plane.
The team, led by captain Ryad Mahrez, who held the trophy and wore the championship medal, was whisked away to the honor lounge at the airport before boarding a specially reserved bus to take them to the Place du 1er Mai in Algiers. The bus, adorned with the national colors and a slogan "Fiers de vous" (Proud of you) in both Tamazight and Arabic, was cheered on by hundreds of supporters who lined the route. The team's journey was escorted by police and gendarmerie motorcyclists.
As the bus made its way through the city, the crowd of fans grew, with some young supporters running alongside the bus to catch a glimpse of their heroes. Players like Mahrez, Bounedjah, Bellaili, and Atal took photos with their smartphones, soaking up the adoration of the crowd. The team had won the championship with a single goal scored by Bounedjah in a tightly contested match against Senegal.
The team's midfielder, Sofiane Feghouli, expressed his joy at the championship win, saying that it was a historic moment for the team and the nation. He dedicated the trophy to the Algerian people, who he said deserved the team's sacrifices. Feghouli noted that winning the championship on foreign soil was a first in the team's history.
National team coach Djamel Belmadi, who has transformed the team in just over a year, was emotional about the win. He said he was happy for the nation and the people, who had been waiting for a second championship for 29 years. Belmadi described the achievement as extraordinary, especially given the team's difficult past.
The team's victory parade continued through the city, with fans cheering and waving flags. The players, who had been celebrating late into the night, looked tired but elated as they took in the adoration of the crowd. The championship win marked Algeria's second African title, with the first one won 29 years ago in Algiers.
The team's return home was a momentous occasion, with fans and officials alike hailing the players as heroes. The team's achievement will be remembered for years to come, and the players' dedication and hard work have earned them a special place in the hearts of Algerians.
Key points
- Algerian national football team wins CAN championship in Egypt
- Team receives hero's welcome upon return to Algiers
- Coach Djamel Belmadi hailed as national hero after transforming team in just over a year
