Mahmoud Abdou posing for a camera at the pitch of the Borg al-Arab stadium - Photo by Karim Abdel Aziz
CAIRO – 10 October 2017: Named as a “symbol of hope and determination” on Tuesday by FIFA; Al-Ahly fanatic, Mahmoud Abdou, had a lot to say to Egypt Today to further prove that football is not just a game, it is a way of life.
Abdou, 29, told Egypt Today that it was one of the best moments of his life to witness the national team’s victory. “I was celebrating with the fans at the stands and they were singing loudly and celebrating with me too.”
The scene of Mahmoud Abdou jumping in joy and dancing on his only leg after the whistle was officially blown, announcing Egypt amongst the lineup of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, has made rounds on social media, as well as domestic and international media.
“I was quite sure that Egypt would make its comeback again; the Egyptian teams, either Zamalek or Al-Ahly are the only ones who are sitting on the throne of African football, so why wouldn’t we triumph?” he said.
Abdou further explained; “I was only afraid that the players would be out of focus, fearing that they would be unable to overcome “the complex” of not qualifying to the World Cup once again, but we proved otherwise.”
Even though it was a strain on Abdou to travel all the way to Alexandria; he insisted on being there for the moment.
“The commute to Borg al-Arab stadium was strenuous; given that I took public transportation to get there, but I knew that the joy that comes with the experience was definitely worth it,” Abdou added.
Abdou is a 2011 law school graduate, who has been a freelance lawyer and is currently working as a sales assistant in a clothes store on a regular basis to raise his revenues. He said that he is no stranger to the stands, especially the ones where Al-Ahly team clashes are held. “I don’t just love Al-Ahly, I adore it.”
Following 28 years of absence from the world’s most prestigious sporting event, Egypt is once again back on track thanks to Mohamed Salah’s last-minute heroics.
“I had my leg amputated when I was 6 years old due to a truck accident, but this did not refrain me from backing my favorite team and going after them to wherever,” Abdou said. “My only aspiration now is to have a membership to Al-Ahly club.”
Asked to name a few of his favorite Ahly players, Abdou named Mohamed Abu Trika, Saad Samir, and Houssam Ashour. From the older generations, he said that he favors Mahmoud El Khatib.
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