by Ahmed Shafiq
ALEXANDRIA, Egypt, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Shouts of cheering fans rocked Egypt's Borg El Arab Stadium after Liverpool's striker Mohamed Salah scored a dramatic goal to beat Tunisia 3-2 in the African Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The game, which was held on late Friday, appeared to head for a draw until Salah finished a neat pass with Salah Mohsen in the last minute.
Tunisia had beat Egypt 1-0 in their opening qualifier in June 2017.
Egypt has been qualified for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations even before Friday's match for the 24th time in its history, after garnering nine points in four matches.
The Tunisians made an early goal by Naim Sliti, but Egypt's winger Mahmoud Trezeguet scored a draw goal in minute 32, while central defender Baher al-Mohamadi scored Egypt's second goal from a close-range header in minute 60.
But Sliti for Tunisia scored again in minute 73 to bring a draw again. His goal silenced thousands of Egyptian fans, specially after the Tunisians were so close in many times to score the third.
However, Salah's last-minute goal triggered an "earthquake" in the stadium.
"Salah is always the saver. He made everyone happy tonight," Hussein Hany, a salesman man who came from Cairo to watch the game, told Xinhua.
The 38-year-old man said he was so worried after Tunisia scored the second goal, but then relieved after Salah made the winner goal.
"We are already qualified even if we were going to lose, but such a glorious victory gives us high morale for next stages," Hany said as he waved an Egyptian flag after the game.
Egypt has won the Africa Cup of Nations seven times in its history and won the silver medal twice.
Outside the stadium, thousands of overjoyed fans gathered to celebrate the win, chanting slogans and waving national flags.
"We are the best in Africa," college student Sarah Mohammed from Alexandria told Xinhua, holding an image of world-renowned Salah.
The young woman, who watched the game in the stadium with her friends, said she is a loyal of the national team and frequently comes to support the team whenever they play in the Borg El Arab Stadium, which is close to her home.
"I'm extremely happy because we finally managed to beat Tunisia. We have not beaten them for so many years," Mohammed proudly said.
