Liverpool star Mohamed Salah, despite nursing a hamstring injury, is confident about Egypt’s prospects in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Speaking ahead of Egypt’s crucial group game against Cape Verde, Salah’s belief in his national team remains unshaken, although he admits improvements are necessary.
The Pharaohs face a must-win situation against Cape Verde to secure a spot in the last 16. However, they will be without their talisman, Salah, who suffered an injury in the 2-2 draw with Ghana. This setback hasn’t dampened his spirits or his conviction in Egypt’s success.
“It will happen somehow, that is what I believe, and whatever I believe I achieve, so sooner or later it will happen,” said Salah, who is yet to add an AFCON title to his impressive collection of club-level accolades with Liverpool. His optimism is not just a personal sentiment but a reflection of his faith in the team’s potential.
Salah, who debuted for Egypt in 2011, has been part of teams that reached the finals in Gabon in 2017 and the last edition in Cameroon. Despite these near misses, his determination to clinch the title this time is stronger than ever.
“We were unlucky at the last one and also in Gabon. The players are very motivated to win the tournament. We all want to win it,” he said, emphasizing the collective ambition within the squad.
However, Rui Vitoria’s team has not been at their best on the Ivory Coast. They had to rely on Salah’s last-minute penalty to draw with Mozambique and struggled to hold Ghana after his injury. Now, facing a decisive match against Cape Verde, who have already topped Group B, Egypt’s journey in the tournament hangs in the balance.
According to a report by The Guardian, Salah’s absence is a significant blow to the Pharaohs, who have already ruled him out of the last-16 tie in San Pedro on January 28. His return is anticipated for the quarterfinal, should Egypt advance.
“At the end of the day, we are not doing great at the moment but we have a fantastic team and a great coach, so we just need to stay focused,” Salah added. His words are not just about rallying his teammates but also about instilling confidence in fans and supporters.
Regarding his injury, Salah chose to focus on the team’s immediate challenge. “The most important thing now is to speak about the game. We are very positive; we have great players and a great team, and we just need to fight and see what will happen,” he said, showcasing his leadership qualities even when not on the field.
In Salah’s absence, Mostafa Fathi of Cairo’s Pyramids, who replaced him against Ghana, is expected to take his place in the starting lineup. Fathi’s performance will be crucial for Egypt as they strive to keep their AFCON hopes alive.
The road to AFCON glory for Egypt is fraught with challenges, but with Salah’s spirit guiding them and the collective determination of the team, the dream remains alive. Salah’s belief in his team’s potential, coupled with the players’ skills and the coach’s strategy, forms a formidable combination.
As Egypt gears up for their next match, the focus is not just on winning but on demonstrating the resilience and teamwork necessary to triumph in a prestigious tournament like the AFCON. With or without Salah on the field, Egypt’s journey in this year’s AFCON is a testament to their fighting spirit and unyielding ambition to reach the pinnacle of African football.
In summary, Salah’s confidence and the team’s resolve under adversity are the driving forces behind Egypt’s campaign in the Africa Cup of Nations. As they face their next challenge, the world watches to see if the Pharaohs can rise to the occasion and fulfill Salah’s prophecy of an eventual victory.
