EUPHORIC scenes greeted the return of the Libyan team home after annexing the African Nations Championship (Chan) title in a fairy-tale triumph for the war-ravaged country.
Thousands were at the airport in Benghazi on Monday night to meet the side as they returned with the trophy from Cape Town, their flight substantially delayed for unspecified reasons.
The English-language Libyan Herald headlined its edition yesterday: 'Benghazi welcome to footballers "complete chaos".
It said jubilant crowds flocked onto the runway, preventing players from getting off the plane.
Fire brigade water canons, which had created a triumphal arch of water when the plane landed, were then turned on the ecstatic mob of fans who had flocked onto the steps of the plane and refused to leave. It took an hour before the team could get off and head to their victory celebrations at the nearby stadium.
While thousands gathered outside the airport, some 500 people had managed to get onto the runway, dashing past fire engines, police cars and military vehicles to reach the plane.
As the people were pushed back, they started chanting "Libya, Libya" amid a joyous riot of whistling and shouting.
In a symbolic demonstration of the power of football, Libyans put their woes behind them to celebrate their success in the 16-team tournament for national teams featuring home-based players only.
They edged Ghana 4-3 on penalties to win Saturday's final at Cape Town Stadium.
Reporters said the two roads leading to Benina Airport were almost impossible to pass, with cars backed up some two kilometres.
Laughing, some of the crowd started chanting: "No water, no electricity, but we won in Africa." Benghazi has been experiencing severe water and power shortages after fighting in the south of the country severed transmission lines.
Libya welcomes heroes
EUPHORIC scenes greeted the return of the Libyan team home after annexing the African Nations Championship (Chan) title in a fairy-tale triumph for the war-ravaged country.
Thousands were at the airport in Benghazi on Monday night to meet the side as they returned with the trophy from Cape Town, their flight substantially delayed for unspecified reasons.
The English-language Libyan Herald headlined its edition yesterday: 'Benghazi welcome to footballers "complete chaos".
It said jubilant crowds flocked onto the runway, preventing players from getting off the plane.
Fire brigade water canons, which had created a triumphal arch of water when the plane landed, were then turned on the ecstatic mob of fans who had flocked onto the steps of the plane and refused to leave. It took an hour before the team could get off and head to their victory celebrations at the nearby stadium.
While thousands gathered outside the airport, some 500 people had managed to get onto the runway, dashing past fire engines, police cars and military vehicles to reach the plane.
As the people were pushed back, they started chanting "Libya, Libya" amid a joyous riot of whistling and shouting.
In a symbolic demonstration of the power of football, Libyans put their woes behind them to celebrate their success in the 16-team tournament for national teams featuring home-based players only.
They edged Ghana 4-3 on penalties to win Saturday's final at Cape Town Stadium.
Reporters said the two roads leading to Benina Airport were almost impossible to pass, with cars backed up some two kilometres.
Laughing, some of the crowd started chanting: "No water, no electricity, but we won in Africa." Benghazi has been experiencing severe water and power shortages after fighting in the south of the country severed transmission lines.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos