Oldest and biggest Tunisian fan inspiring Carthage Eagles team
Eighty-six-year old travels from Tunisia to be closer to the team and witness their journey during the World Cup
AISHA Al-Lamti, an 86-yearold Tunisian woman, can’t wait to join other Tunisian fans in Qatar and to support her country’s national team in the FIFA World Cup that begins today.
Called ‘Mother Aisha’ by the Tunisian fans, Al Lamti caught the eye of organisers and fans from around the world when she lined up to welcome the Tunisian players on their arrival.
Accompanied by her daughter who is a resident of Qatar, ‘Mother Aisha,’ said that she travelled from Tunisia to Doha specifically to be closer to ‘Carthage Eagles’ team and witness their journey during the World Cup.
Looking forward to attending the matches in the stadiums, Al Lamti took a minute to express her happiness when she spontaneously wished the team success and assured that she will be attending Tunisia’s matches.
Tunisian fans are present in strength in Qatar celebrating their team taking part in the World Cup. Doha has witnessed thousands of fans from the community residing in the country, besides those who have recently flown in to support the Carthage Eagles. Dressed in the Tunisian flag and keen to cheer the national team, they created a carnival atmosphere at the dedicated fan zone.
Talal Dabaghi, head of the Sports Committee of the Tunisian Community Council, and one of the leaders of the Carthage Eagles fans, said that Qatar is witnessing a World Cup atmosphere which is distinct.
He stressed that Qatar’s organisation of the international event is an ideal opportunity for Arabs to share their passion for football, and support their teams participating in the competitions, directly from the tournament stadiums and for the first time on Arab grounds.
“There is no doubt that the fans of the Tunisian national team are among the most passionate Arabs fans about football, and are keen to support their country’s national team in all its games”, Dabaghi said.
“Tunisians are looking forward to the national team’s matches in the first round at the Education City and Al Janoub stadiums, and God willing, the venues will be full of the Tunisian national team’s flags with a record attendance of the Carthage Eagles fans throughout its World Cup games.
Tunisian fans also lighted up the atmosphere in Souq Waqif in Doha, days before the start of the World Cup and continue to be present all around the city. Video clips circulating on social media showed dozens of Tunisians dancing to the sounds of enthusiastic music in the middle of the market, carrying their country’s red flags.
Tunisia is participating in the Qatar 2022 World Cup, as one of the five representatives of the African continent, and it is the Carthage Eagles’ sixth participation in the World Cup. The lottery placed it in Group D, along with the teams of France, Denmark and Australia.