February 12, 2006

President Mubarak Saturday 11/2/2oo6 honored the Egyptian national soccer team for winning the Africa Cup of Nations by beating Cote d'Ivoire 4-2.

The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif and the Minister of Information.

The meeting was also attended on the African side by Chairman of the Commission of the African Union Alpha Omar Konare, CAF President Issa Hayatu and the Ivorian charge d'affaires.

President Hosni Mubarak expressed appreciation for the performance of the Egyptian soccer players and team's administrative members who were able to secure the Cup for a record fifth time Friday night.

"The victory indicates that Egyptians can achieve any goal if they set their minds to it," Presidential spokesman Suleiman Awwad quoted Mubarak as saying.

Awwad said Mubarak decided to offer three million Egyptian pounds from state funds to the team.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Suzanne Mubarak, wife of the President congratulated the Egyptian people on the landmark victory in the African Cup of Nations 2006.