Mohamed Salah’s Nile Delta village reaches fever pitch ahead of Champions League final

A sports and youth center in the Nile Delta village carries a wall mural of Mohamed Salah, the superstar who has enriched their lives. (AP)
Updated 23 May 2018
Follow

Mohamed Salah’s Nile Delta village reaches fever pitch ahead of Champions League final

  • Hundreds gathered in village cafe to watch semifinal
  • 'Watching him play helps me get over tough days'

NAGRIG, Egypt: The cafe began to fill up more than two hours before kickoff. By the time the match began, some 200 men and boys — some as young as five — huddled around two large TV screens at a cafe Mohamed Salah frequents when he’s back visiting his village deep in Egypt’s Nile Delta.
Salah didn’t score, but almost everyone at the cafe let out a joyous scream and clapped enthusiastically at the final whistle: Liverpool, the English club for which Salah has scored more than 40 goals since he joined this season, has reached the final of the Champions League for the first time since 2007. On the night, Liverpool lost 4-2 to Roma, but advanced 7-6 on aggregate to set up a clash with Real Madrid on Saturday.
“We are victorious, we are victorious,” screamed a boy at the end of a game that induced everyone in the cafe to carry a deeply anxious look as Roma kept on chipping away at Liverpool’s first leg lead. “Come on Salah!” and “run, Salah!” they implored the 25-year-old every time he had the ball.
The scene at the cafe in Salah’s village of Nagrig has been duplicated across this country of 100 million ever since the winger rose to global stardom after joining Liverpool from Roma last summer and almost single handedly led Egypt to qualify for this summer’s World Cup in Russia, the country’s first appearance in the tournament since 1990.
There is perhaps no place in Egypt that shows more passion for the Premier League and the Champions League than Nagrig, a typical Nile delta village where water buffalos, cows and donkeys share dirt roads with cars, motorbikes and horse-drawn carts. Many of the village’s teenagers play barefooted and the pitch in the youth center where Salah is known to have played the game as a young boy is strewn with litter and accessible through a collapsed part of its outer wall.
“Five or six years ago, only a few people in the village were interested in European football,” said Shady Dawoud, a 30-year-old man from Nagrig and a distant Salah relative. Speaking as he watched the Roma-Liverpool match, he said: “Now, almost the entire village, old and young alike, know about Liverpool and Roma as well as the schedule for Salah’s matches.”
“So much has changed here because of Salah, may God protect him.”
The adulation is on clear display. A large number of children and teenagers wear Salah jerseys, his image is on a wall mural at the village’s sports and youth center and residents are deeply appreciative of their hero and protective of his name.
Salah, residents boast with pride, has poured millions of pounds into the village, with the beneficiaries’ list including a school, a mosque, the youth center, a dialysis machine at a nearby hospital and financial aid to poor families. His success as a footballer in Europe’s most attractive league has inspired many parents in Nagrig, as elsewhere in Egypt, to send their children to football academies in the hope that maybe one day they can emulate his success.
“He has done so much for the village. Some things that people know about, and many things that people just don’t know anything about,” said Ibrahim Ramadan, who owns an eatery at Nagrig. “Honestly, his family has not changed one bit since Salah became a star. They are still humble.”
But Salah’s impact in Egypt goes way beyond the money he has poured into his village or the 5 million Egyptian pounds (nearly $285,000) he donated to a development fund set up by Egypt’s leader, Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi.
This year, his image is on lanterns which are traditionally given to children or used as an ornament during the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, which has just begun. Traders have given his name to a kind of date, which many Muslims eat to break their dawn-to-dusk fast during Ramadan. His appearance in a short film supporting a government anti-drugs campaign has sent through the roof the number of calls addicts made to help lines. In downtown Cairo, a cafe with a giant wall mural of him has become a major attraction, and the definitive image of the adulation he enjoys.
But more importantly, many Egyptians and commentators believe Salah — the second of three children born to a government employee — is giving his compatriots hope and joy at a time when the majority is struggling to make ends meet amid acute economic hardships caused by an ambitious economic reform program to revive the battered economy.
“Salah is no longer just a talented and skilled football player. He is a symbol of efficiency, thoroughness, respect, learning, morals and moderate religion,” wrote Imad Hussein, editor of the independent Al-Shorouk daily. “He presents a glowing picture of Egyptians, Arabs and Muslims. It’s an image that most of us are incapable of offering.”
Anecdotally, many Egyptians believe that some of the 1.76 million spoilt ballots in presidential elections held in March were invalidated because voters scribbled Salah’s name as their choice. The unusually large number of invalid ballots was more than twice the votes that went to El-Sisi’s challenger, a little-known politician who supports the president, and are widely believed to have been spoilt as a form of protest against the government. El-Sisi won the election with 97 percent of the votes.
Earlier this month, Egyptians rallied behind Salah in a commercial dispute with Egypt’s soccer association over the use of his image, declaring their support for the player on social media networks and seizing the chance to air criticism of the association and the government.
“The goals he scores ease the burden of living under these tough economic conditions,” said Maher Said, a 50-year-old security guard in Cairo. “Watching him play helps me get over tough days.”
Another Egyptian, 30-year-old engineer Shereef Suliman, said: “Salah has virtually become the only thing that gives people hope and pride that they are Egyptians.”


England opening batsman Ben Duckett fit for Champions Trophy

Updated 29 sec ago
Follow

England opening batsman Ben Duckett fit for Champions Trophy

  • Duckett suffered a problem in his left groin during England’s 142-run loss to India on Wednesday
  • The injury placed a question mark over the 30-year-old’s availability for the Champions Trophy

LONDON: England’s prospects for the Champions Trophy received a boost on Saturday when opening batsman Ben Duckett was passed fit for the one-day international tournament.
Duckett suffered a problem in his left groin during England’s crushing 142-run loss to India in the third ODI in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.
His injury placed a question mark over the 30-year-old’s availability for the Champions Trophy, which starts in Pakistan next week and features the eight top-ranked ODI teams qualified from the 2023 50-over World Cup.
But the dashing left-hander has now been given the all clear following a scan, with an England and Wales Cricket Board statement saying: “Scans on a left groin injury have confirmed that England Men’s batter Ben Duckett is fit and available for the ICC Champions Trophy.
“Duckett sustained the injury while fielding during the first innings of England’s third ODI defeat to India in Ahmedabad last Wednesday.”
England are set to arrive in Pakistan on Tuesday before they begin their Champions Trophy campaign against oldest rivals Australia in Lahore on Saturday, with all-rounder Jacob Bethell ruled out because of a hamstring injury and replaced by Tom Banton.
Since winning the 2019 World Cup and 2022 T20 World Cup, England have struggled in white-ball cricket with Wednesday’s thumping defeat condemning them to a 3-0 series loss against India in what was Test coach Brendon McCullum’s first ODI campaign since he also took charge of the limited-overs side.


Terrific Thitikul triumphs in Riyadh with runaway victory

Updated 10 min 46 sec ago
Follow

Terrific Thitikul triumphs in Riyadh with runaway victory

  • Thai star secures $675,000 top prize after dominant display
  • Victory follows compatriot Tavatanakit’s 2024 triumph in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: Jeeno Thitikul delivered a commanding performance to claim victory at the PIF Saudi Ladies International on Saturday, securing her 17th professional title with a final-round 69 to finish at 16-under par.

The Thai sensation, who turns 22 next Thursday, followed in the footsteps of compatriot Patty Tavatanakit, who lifted the trophy at Riyadh Golf Club in 2024. Thitikul’s triumph also marked a dream start to her season.

“It’s the best present I’ve ever received in my life,” she said. “To be honest, I didn’t think I’d be able to win my first event of the year at all because after a long offseason without playing tournaments, you need to adjust a little bit on the course. But winning here is a huge advantage.”

She added: “We can take this form and carry on the good things that happened here. More than anything, I think my team will be proud because we’ve worked really hard in the offseason, always trying to get better. Having a win here means we’re moving in the right direction.”

Thitikul started the final day with a three-shot lead and wasted no time in extending her advantage, carding four birdies in her opening 10 holes. A five-shot cushion with eight to play proved unassailable, as she dropped just one shot on the back nine to seal a dominant win.

South Korea’s Somi Lee secured second place with a two-under-par 70, while England’s Annabell Fuller recovered from a tough front nine to finish one over, earning a solo third-place finish.

Fuller, 22, continued her strong form on the Ladies European Tour after a sixth-place finish last week. Her third-place showing in Riyadh earned her $270,000, a financial boost she described as transformational.

She added: “I was saying to my parents last week (that) this kind of tournament is life changing. Golf isn’t cheap, and neither is traveling, so having the opportunity to earn at this level is huge. It really helps make a career in the game more sustainable.

“It was awesome to play next to her (Thitikul) and watch her game; she’s so good. Even when she made a mistake, seeing how she recovered was incredible. Her short game is just next level, and she always managed to get out of tough spots so well. For me, it’s a huge confidence boost to have two strong weeks back to back.”

The PIF Saudi Ladies International, boasting a $5 million prize fund, matches the men’s equivalent, the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers. It is the highest non-major purse on the LET, highlighting Golf Saudi and PIF’s commitment to advancing the women’s game.

Thitikul acknowledged the importance of such investment in women’s golf.

She said: “I think Golf Saudi and PIF have done so much to elevate women’s golf and grow the game. I really appreciate how they see the potential in women’s golf and continue investing in it. The women’s game really needs this kind of support to keep growing, especially for the next generation. Hopefully, more fans will watch, whether on TV or coming out here in person. Saudi has done a really good job organizing a big event and bringing in top players to compete, which is great for women’s golf.”

This year’s tournament also introduced a new two-day team format to heighten competition and increase prize-winning potential. South Korea’s Somi Lee captained her team to a two-shot victory, lifting the trophy on Friday.


Real Madrid held by Osasuna with Bellingham sent off

Updated 36 min 3 sec ago
Follow

Real Madrid held by Osasuna with Bellingham sent off

  • The Spanish champions took the lead through Kylian Mbappe
  • Ante Budimir levelled for hosts Osasuna from the penalty spot

PAMPLONA, Spain: La Liga leaders Real Madrid dropped two points in a 1-1 draw at Osasuna on Saturday in which Jude Bellingham was sent off.
The Spanish champions took the lead through Kylian Mbappe before the referee expelled England international Bellingham for dissent toward the end of the first half.
Ante Budimir levelled for hosts Osasuna from the penalty spot after 58 minutes as Carlo Ancelotti’s side endured a third consecutive league match without victory.
Atletico Madrid, second and two points behind the leaders, host Celta Vigo later Saturday, while third-place Barcelona welcome Rayo Vallecano on Monday.
Ancelotti said Bellingham should not have been dismissed and had just been expressing his frustration rather than directly insulting the referee.
“I think with Bellingham’s red card (the referee) didn’t understand the English well... I don’t think it’s something offensive,” Ancelotti told reporters.
“I think the red card came out because the referee was nervous... Bellingham did nothing today to have been sent off, absolutely nothing.”
The coach said he was happy with how Madrid played despite dropping points.
“In a footballing sense we started very well, and we finished well despite having one less player,” said Ancelotti.
The Italian made a few rotations with the midweek Champions League play-off second leg clash against Manchester City in mind, with Rodrygo resting and Brahim Diaz given a rare start.
Los Blancos controlled the game from the off, moving the ball around too quickly for Osasuna to get a foothold.
Vinicius appealed for an early penalty when Alejandro Catena slid in to dispossess him and the ball struck the defender’s arm.
The Brazilian winger should have put the champions ahead when Mbappe crossed for him, but misjudged the flight of the ball and headed wide from close range.
Madrid did not have to wait long for their opener and Fede Valverde created it with a low cross for Mbappe, who produced a clinical finish.
It was the in-form French forward’s seventh goal in his last five La Liga matches.
Osasuna threatened just once in the first half, with a low drive from Aimar Oroz, which Thibaut Courtois superbly pushed to safety.
Vinicius spurned another golden opportunity when Mbappe teed him up, before Bellingham was dismissed in the 39th minute.
The England international exchanged words with referee Jose Munuera Montero, who then reached for his red card.
Madrid have complained heavily about Spanish refereeing in recent weeks, labelling it “rigged” and they grew further frustrated with Munuera Montero in the second half.
Osasuna levelled before the hour mark through Budimir from the spot after Eduardo Camavinga was late on the Croatian striker.
Budimir had already shot wide of the post when the French midfielder clattered into the forward, similar to the penalty Aurelien Tchouameni conceded in Madrid’s derby draw with Atletico Madrid last weekend.
Budimir’s penalty was his 13th goal of the season, behind only Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski and Mbappe, on 17, in the standings.
Mbappe came close to scoring a second but fired narrowly over and Vinicius had an effort deflected wide after a dangerous incursion from the left.
Madrid pushed for a winner despite their numerical disadvantage, knowing their title rivals are breathing down their necks.
Mbappe had one last chance in stoppage time but Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera palmed away his effort with a strong hand.
After playing for nearly an hour with 10 men, Manchester City will hope it takes a toll on Madrid on Wednesday when the sides meet at the Santiago Bernabeu.


La Liga launches Arabic TikTok account to connect with millions of Arab football fans

Updated 58 min 14 sec ago
Follow

La Liga launches Arabic TikTok account to connect with millions of Arab football fans

  • ‘It represents the culmination of all the efforts La Liga has made in the MENA region over the past years,’ says managing director
  • Account will act as a hub for thrilling highlights from La Liga EA Sports matches

JEDDAH: Spanish football league La Liga on Saturday launched an Arabic account on TikTok in a bid to connect with millions of football fans in the Arab world.
It is part of the league’s efforts to reach and engage with its followers in the Middle East and North Africa region, a media statement said.
“We are thrilled to launch the Arabic TikTok account, as it represents the culmination of all the efforts La Liga has made in the MENA region over the past years,” said Maite Ventura, managing director for MENA.
“We believe that Arab fans deserve high-quality digital content that meets their expectations. This account will bring us closer to them than ever before,” she added.
The initiative marks another step in La Liga’s digital success, as it remains the most-followed football league in the world online, boasting more than 245 million followers across 16 platforms in 20 different languages.
Mohammed Harb, head of partnerships at TikTok MENA, said: “We are delighted to be part of this special step for La Liga.
“Launching a TikTok account in Arabic reinforces the league’s commitment to bringing fans closer to the game they love, providing the TikTok community with a platform that reflects the unique culture and passion of Arab football fans.”
The La Liga Arabic TikTok account will be a hub for all the thrilling highlights from La Liga EA Sports matches, coinciding with the intense competition in the league.
Arab football stars will also receive special attention, as La Liga has hosted more than 80 Arab players throughout its history, from Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Mauritania, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar and Syria.
Beyond match highlights, the account will offer a diverse range of visual content, featuring contributions from influencers, players, journalists and fans across the Arab world.


Marmoush hat-trick lifts Man City into Premier League top four

Updated 15 February 2025
Follow

Marmoush hat-trick lifts Man City into Premier League top four

  • The Egyptian was in scintillating form as City recovered from their late Champions League collapse to lose to Real Madrid 3-2 at home in midweek
  • Marmoush’s explosion gives some cause for optimism as Newcastle were blown away inside the opening 33 minutes

MANCHESTER: Omar Marmoush scored his first Manchester City goals with a first-half hat-trick to beat Newcastle 4-0 and fire Pep Guardiola’s men back into the Premier League’s top four on Saturday.
The Egyptian was in scintillating form as City recovered from their late Champions League collapse to lose to Real Madrid 3-2 at home in midweek.
The English champions have a mountain to climb when they visit Madrid on Wednesday if they are to reach the last 16 of Europe’s elite competition for the 12th consecutive season.
But Marmoush’s explosion gives some cause for optimism as Newcastle were blown away inside the opening 33 minutes.


The match had been billed as a clash between the Premier League’s two top strikers as Golden Boot rivals Erling Haaland and Alexander Isak went head-to-head.
However, they were both overshadowed as Marmoush announced his arrival to the English game.
The 26-year-old scored 20 goals for Eintracht Frankfurt this season before making a £59 million ($72.6 million) move to Manchester in January.
City were keen to add more goalscoring threats to support Haaland and the early signs are promising that the Norwegian and Marmoush can dovetail effectively.
Guardiola made six changes to freshen up his side between the Madrid double header with Marmoush one of those to come into the side.
Ederson was at fault for City’s late collapse from 2-1 to 3-2 down against the European champions on Tuesday, but made amends with his third assist of the season.
Kieran Trippier was caught underneath the Brazilian goalkeeper’s booming kick upfield and Marmoush had the simple task to lob the stranded Martin Dubravka.
That goal continued City’s run of scoring in their last 33 Premier League games against the Magpies.
Five minutes later, it was 2-0 when Ilkay Gundogan fed Marmoush inside the area, who cut inside before his deflected effort found the bottom corner.
Savinho’s pace and trickery down the right was another major positive for Guardiola and he created the third by skipping past Lewis Hall and squaring for Marmoush to fire home from close range.
City’s fragility at defending leads this season was never seriously tested as the visitors suffered another damaging defeat to their chances of a return to the Champions League next season.
Either side of reaching next month’s League Cup final, Eddie Howe’s men have lost three of their last four Premier League games to slip to seventh.
City, on the other hand, climb back into pole position for Champions League qualification despite their drastic dip in standards this season that will see an unprecedented run of four consecutive league titles almost certainly come to an end.
James McAtee came off the bench to add the fourth six minutes from time when the midfielder turned in Haaland’s flick on from a Gundogan corner.
But there was a worrying scene for City as Haaland had to be replaced in the closing stages after receiving treatment on a knee injury.