#HadaryForPresident: Egyptians want to replace Sisi with legendary goalkeeper

Egyptians thrilled with their country qualifying for the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after an impressive win against Burkina Faso on Wednesday are calling for their national team's goalkeeper to replace Abdel Fattah al-Sisi as Egypt's President.

Despite breaking the record for the oldest player at a major continental championship, veteran 44-year-old Essam al-Hadary took the Egyptian national team - known as The Pharaohs - to the AFCON final, which they had won for the last time in 2010, before being held back by major political upheavals in the region.

His career peaked as he won Egypt three back-to-back Nations Cup titles between 2006 and 2010.

Images of Hadary celebrating on top of the goalpost remain among the tournament's most endearing.

"I'm happy to be in contention for all of these records but the most important is for Egypt to win the cup," he told reporters on the eve of Wednesday's semi-final.

"If we win the title, then the record will pass to me and I will be grateful. But I've never worried about my personal records. The country comes first, then the record book."

Grateful for his impressive victory and frustrated with Egypt's current regime, fans launched a social media campaign promoting Hadary as a more suitable ruler for the country.

Translation: Essam al-Hadary for president 2018.

Translation: Hadary has done more for Egypt and its people than Sisi did.

Translation: Elect Hadary as Egypt's president. At least he makes accomplishments in favour of the country.

Translation: Making a statue for Hadary or naming a street after him won't do; he must be president.

Among many nicknames, Hadary's fans refer to him as the 'High Dam', while others compared him to the Hulk.