Image Credits: Imago Images
The Liverpool forward played the full game in the 2-0 loss.
Egypt’s warm-up for AFCON 2025 did not get off to the start they expected as they lost to Uzbekistan in the semifinals of the Al Ain International Cup on Friday night.
The Pharaohs, who have qualified for the tournament this winter, as well as the 2026 FIFA World Cup, were favourites to win the game, but came up short.
Egypt manager Hossam Hassan blamed individual mistakes for the loss, which marked just his second defeat since taking charge of the team in February 2024.
It was just their second loss in 21 months, and it came as a shock, with Uzbekistan ranked 55th in the world, with Egypt sat in 32nd.
Hassan said: “Individual mistakes caused the loss to Uzbekistan, especially after our strong performance in the second half.”
“Friendly matches are important for learning and correcting mistakes, especially as the team is missing key players.”
“We were without eight key players from the regular starting lineup, but it was an opportunity for new faces like Marwan Osman, Osama Faisal, Zalaka and Mahmoud Saber to get playing time.”
Hassan’s men lined up in a 3-5-2 formation but failed to trouble the disciplined Uzbekistan defence that lined up in a 5-4-1 setup.
Egypt’s players, led by Salah, struggled to find any sort of rhythm and cohesion throughout the encounter and it was a disappointing loss for the team.
Egypt will now face Cape Verde in the third-place decider on Monday, after Cape Verde lost to Iran in their semifinal.
Mohamed Salah played the full ninety minutes but was unable to make any real mark on the game.
His form continues to fluctuate as he endures a difficult season for club and country.
He will be hoping to build his form back up as he prepares for another edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, with Egypt set to kickstart their tournament on the 22nd December against Zimbabwe.
The Egyptian forward is due to leave Liverpool after Liverpool’s game against Brighton on Dece,ber 13th and will miss at least three games for the Reds.
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