Egypt's press lavished praise on Friday on its footballers for reaching the Africa Cup final with a 4-0 rout of Algeria seen as sweet revenge after their fierce rivals pushed them out of a World Cup place.
"Long live the golden generation," trumpeted a headline in the state-owned daily Al-Gomhuria, describing the Algerian team as being in "intensive care" after having three players sent off during Thursday night's match.
"Egypt crush Algeria with a 4-0 win," said Al-Ahram, the state-owned mass-circulation daily.
"The Egyptian team handed out a lesson in football and manners. The referee stood up to Algerian aggression" at the match in Benguela, Angola, the newspaper said.
In a stormy semi-final, Egypt recovered from a painful World Cup qualifying defeat against their North African rivals last November that was marred by clashes, media spats and diplomatic tensions.
"We avenged ourselves and redeemed ourselves," screamed a bold red headline in the daily Al-Missa.
"I am an Egyptian and this is my night," another newspaper, the Al-Ahram Al-Mesai, said in triumph.
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak saluted the national team for a "remarkable performance", as the Pharaoh's rampant showing prompted fans in Cairo to rush out into the streets in celebrations that lasted well into the night.
{{/usCountry}}Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak saluted the national team for a "remarkable performance", as the Pharaoh's rampant showing prompted fans in Cairo to rush out into the streets in celebrations that lasted well into the night.
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