Nader Essayed: “My prime objective is to put an end to the lingering animosity between Algerian and Egyptian football fans”.

The former goalkeeper of the Egyptian national squad, Nader Essayed, who was literally taken aback by Achiou's famous goal which allowed Algeria to go through the second round of the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations by ousting Egypt from the competition, has brought in an exclusive interview with “Echorouk Al Yaoumi” his testimony about the electric atmosphere surrounding that match while advocating wisdom and reason to put an end to the lingering resentment between the supporters of the 2 countries.  

• Q: As a former goalkeeper of the Egypt national squad, do you prefer to be labeled as a “Communicator” or an “Imam”?
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• With no wavering at all, I prefer the role of Imam as I was chosen by my teammates and the technical staff to conduct the collective prayers involving all the team.
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• Q: How did you come to fulfill the “function” of Imam during all the matches of the Egyptian national line-up?
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• In fact, I should recall that the Egyptian players possess a strong faith and consequently they do not miss any ritual prayer either during the preparation sessions or during the official matches.
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• Given that I recite by heart and in a very good manner the verses of the holy Koran, I was selected to lead the collective prayers of all the team.
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• It’s very rewarding for me!
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• Q: During the famous Algeria-Egypt match in 2004, you were the goalkeeper of your team and we saw on TV, you lips moving all the time. What were you saying at that time on the pitch?
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• As a matter of fact, I was relentlessly invoking the name of God, Allah almighty!
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• Q: Could you describe for us your emotion after the unexpected goal by striker Hocine Achiou which gave victory to Algeria in the last minutes of the Africa cup of nations qualifying game ?
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• Frankly, I was not expecting such a lethal goal because Achiou was not dangerous during most of the game but his sudden offensive spurt into the Egyptian defense line took us aback and dealt a blow to our spirits on the pitch just a few minutes before the referee’s final whistle.
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• Q: This match lost by Egypt by a whisker versus Algeria remains for you and your teammates a scathing recollection?…
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• Absolutely, but in football let’s face it, there is a winner and a loser and losing a match should not trigger any spite or ill feelings between the supporters of 2 brotherly Arab countries which share the same religion and the same values.
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• Q: What are you going to undertake in a bid to dissipate the long-running animosity and resentment which mar the relations between the 2 countries’ football fans ?
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• I will strive to promote wisdom and reason by buttressing my action on the holy Koran and the Sunna of our venerated prophet Mohamed, God’s peace and blessings be upon him, in order to bring Algerians and Egyptians closer through regular contacts.
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• I envisage, to this effect, to invite soon Algerian players, sports officials and sports commentators for a football match in Egypt as part of this salutary mission aimed at sealing once and for all a spirit of reconciliation, understanding and brotherhood between the fans of the 2 countries.
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