Crisis-hit Lebanon qualified for basketball's FIBA World Cup on Monday for the fourth time in the country's history after beating India 95-63 in Bangalore.
A rare moment of hope and unity in a country mired in fractious sectarian politics and a three-year economic meltdown was achieved, despite little government support for the national team, known as The Cedars.
"We were really surprised, they made us proud — if only in basketball," university student Alaa Endeel said after watching the game at a Beirut cafe. "It's nice to see people from all the different Lebanese sects posting the Lebanese flag on their (Instagram) stories."