The Peninsula
Victorious Qatar team yesterday returned home to a heroes’ welcome from Abu Dhabi where they made history by wining the maiden AFC Asian Cup crown on Friday.
The winners were given a red carpet welcome by the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at Doha International Airport, where they arrived along with the top Qatar Football Association’s (QFA) leadership.
Also welcoming the team at the airport were Personal Representative of the Amir, H H Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, QOC Chairperson H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, and a number of their excellencies Sheikhs and ministers, high-ranking officials, the players’ families, first team and Olympic team players.
Minister of Culture and Sports H E Salah bin Ghanim Al Ali was also present on the occasion.
The reception was followed by the victorious home-coming parade at the picturesque water-front Corniche where thousands of fans flocked to greet the winners in the evening.
Qatar on Friday stunned Japan 3-1 in the final and fans back home erupted in celebrations across the country. There was no change in the moods, in fact, the fans looked more charged yesterday as they assembled to cheer up for the heroes, who clinched the prestigious title despite many challenges including hostility from the host nation.
Promenades on the Corniche and on the opposite street was filled with fans, many of them wrapped up in Qatari flags chanting slogans in favour of the winning side.
Spectacular fireworks on regular intervals added colours to the memorable parade.
The triumphant Qatari players, travelling on an open-top bus and escorted by a huge motorcade, were in jubilant mood as they joined the fans, singing the national anthem and songs to celebrate the success.
During the parade, names of each member of the team including players and coaching staff were called out in front of fans, who appreciated the contribution of each of them with huge cheers.
“We continued to support our team throughout the tournament, and now it’s time to celebrate together,” Mohamed Ahmed, a young Qatari supporter said.
“This is the victory, which we will remember forever,” he added.
Qatar won the Asian Cup title in record-breaking style, winning 7 consecutive matches including victories over former Asian champions Japan, Iraq, South Korea and Saudi Arabia.
During their 4-0 thrashing over hosts UAE in the semi-final dubbed as ‘the blockade derby’, the Qatari players were pelted with sandals and water bottles.
“They are the real heroes,” said Mohamed Salah, who was accompanied by a group of youngsters came to attend the victory parade.
“Despite the ordeal in the UAE, they played dominating football. We respect them more for their commitment to do well for the country,” he said. “The Qatari team is the Asian champions and now we want to see them as a global football force,” Salah said.
“All the young players are doing well which gives us hope that the future is bright as Qatar host the 2022 FIFA World Cup,” he said.
The winning team was then escorted to Alkass TV Station .
The victory celebrations will continue with several receptions being planned for the new Asian Cup champions.