When it's been 28 years since your last appearance at the biggest tournament in the world, clinching a spot means one thing: Party time!
So it was that, after Mohamed Salah's 95th-minute penalty sealed Egypt's qualification for Russia 2018, the celebrations began in the dressing room and across the country.
Why I love football, politics & how it impacts society. Egypt this evening after qualifying to World Cup.pic.twitter.com/8Rv7NjCZPQ
— Raphael Gellar (@Raphael_Gellar) October 8, 2017
The flares and chants are in full effect. Police everywhere but everyone is in a joyous mood #Tahrir #Egypt #مصر_الي_كاس_العالم pic.twitter.com/VfaRKRscI7
— Farid Y. Farid (@FaridYFarid) October 8, 2017
The Pharaohs are seven-time African champions and have won their continental tournament four times since last playing at a World Cup. Back then, at Italia '90, they failed to advance beyond a group that also featured England, Netherlands and Republic of Ireland.
Therefore, after such a long wait, no wonder there was such an outpouring of joy and, most likely, relief.