Cairo [Egypt], July 13: Egypt's national football team received a hero's welcome upon their return home from the World Cup on Friday but captain Mohamed Salah said that the painful last 16 defeat against Argentina still hurts.
"I know you're still upset, but I promise you that I'll do everything in my power to ensure this marks a fresh start for Egyptian football on the international stage," Salah said on X.
"Qualifying for the World Cup won't be enough, and just participating won't cut it either. This team deserves your trust."
Salah, who is yet to name a new club he will play for after his Liverpool exit, and the team arrived home at El-Alamein airport amid a fan frenzy.
The Pharaohs lost 3-2 against Argentina on Tuesday, having led 2-0 until the 79th minute.
Another Egypt goal nullified upon review and two two penalty calls in vain prompted the Egypt camp to lodge a formal protest against French referee François Letexier, saying he made bad mistakes and was under pressure from
Argentina. FIFA referee chief Pierluigi Collini spoke of "unfounded allegations" and insisted that "nobody can question the integrity of the FIFA World Cup match officials."
Source: Qatar Tribune
