FOOTBALL – Bahrain fans were overjoyed last night as they came together to join the senior men’s football national team in celebrating their title success in the 26th Gulf Cup in Kuwait City.
Tens of thousands lined the streets and were in attendance at the special ceremony held in the squad’s honour at the National Stadium in Riffa, with His Majesty King Hamad leading the festivities.
The appreciative supporters were mostly dressed in red and white, waved the Bahrain flag with gusto, and cheered for their heroes at the top of their voices.
“This is beyond beautiful,” Zahra Mansoor told the GDN. “It makes me feel so happy to see Bahrain this happy.
“Thank you to the team, and thanks to the organisers who arranged this celebration – all this happened in less than 24 hours from the match. It’s so beautiful; this reception is amazing.”
Mansoor highlighted that she had a special feeling from the start of the competition that the kingdom’s team would be doing something special and making history.
“Honestly, from the beginning of the tournament, we had a feeling and it kept getting better,” she said. “It felt like we were getting closer every single game.
“We had faith in our team and in our players, and that’s amazing. This time was different, we felt we’re getting it.”
Fatima Adel, who was one of the team of young flower girls in traditional Bahrain dress that welcomed the nationals on a red carpet at the Royal VIP Lounge of Bahrain International Airport, added: “I feel so happy and so proud of the players, especially for (Ebrahim) Luthfallah and (Mohammed) Marhoon. I am so happy for them, and we were able to take pictures with them!”
Luthfallah was one of the star attractions in last night’s celebrations. Wherever he went, he was swarmed by fans asking for pictures and autographs.
“Ebrahim is our lovely goalkeeper,” Fatima told the GDN of the 26th Gulf Cup’s Best Goalkeeper award winner. “He did a wonderful job and we are so proud of him.”
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
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