Egyptian players who helped clinch the Russia 2018 World Cup finals ticket have each received a bonus of $85,000 from the country’s president, Abdul Fattah Al-Sisi.
The Pharaohs defeated Congo Brazzaville 2-1 through a brace by Mohamed Salah to qualify for the global showpiece for the first time since 1990.
The president announced the reward on Monday as he met the Argentine coach Hector Cuper and the players.
“Maybe we don’t play beautiful football but we are at the World cup and that’s the most important thing,” Cuper was quoted to have by BBC.
The match-winner, Mohamed Salah, who scored a penalty in injury time to secure the qualification received special praise from Al-Sisi.
“I am proud of all the players but especially of Mo Salah who was brave enough to take the crucial penalty,” the president said.
“Also thank you to coach Cuper who has made our dreams come true.”
Liverpool forward Salah promised the President and the people of Egypt a good outing in Russia.
“We are determined to make the country and continent proud in Russia,” Salah said.
“I am very happy to lead Egypt to a World Cup after 28 years and to make a 100 million proud of us.”
While the Pharaohs have won a record seven Africa Cup of Nations titles, they have only been to the World Cup twice in 1934 and 1990 and are yet to win a game at the finals.
