The Liverpool winger was on target once again as Egypt progressed to the quarter-finals of the competition and will face Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso in a quarter-final on Saturday
11:09, 06 Jan 2026
Mohamed Salah shoots
Mohamed Salah has admitted he does not think Egypt are among the favorites to win AFCON
Mohamed Salah has admitted he does not think Egypt is among the favorites to win the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) despite the Pharaohs progressing to the quarter-finals of the tournament.
The seven-time AFCON champions have not won the competition since 2010, and while Salah remains a shining light for the team and the country’s greatest-ever player, the current squad is lacking star names.
Only three of the current squad play in Europe and against the talented rosters of Senegal, Morocco and Ivory Coast, few have Egypt down to win the tournament. That’s reflected by the bookmakers, with Egypt ranked fifth favorite to lift the trophy.
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However, as Liverpool knows, Salah’s penchant for singlehandedly winning games can come in useful.
The 33-year-old once again played a starring role in Monday’s last-16 win over Benin, with Egypt needing extra-time to progress to the quarter-finals.
Marwan Attia and Yasser Ibrahim were on target before Salah wrapped up Egypt’s win in the fourth minute of injury-time as he finished off a rapid counter-attack with an excellent outside-of-the-foot finish.
The Liverpool star managed more shots on target, dribbles and key passes than anyone else on the pitch and extended his goal tally in the competition to three in as many matches at AFCON.
Salah on the ball
Egypt progressed from a tough quarter-final tie against Benin on Monday(Image: AFP or licensors)
“I think physically we were a little bit better and that’s what gave us an advantage,” Salah told broadcasters after what proved to be a tough encounter against Benin.
“But there are no easy games in Africa. The level is quite similar. I was with the boys yesterday and I said ‘there are no teams losing 4-0, 5-0’.
“They have a good team, good coach and good structure. I am pleased we managed to win in the end.
Mohamed Salah
Salah is yet to win AFCON during his glittering career(Image: Getty Images)
“I don’t think we are favorites at all,” he added. “We have young players, most play in Egypt.
“We just fight for our country and we will see where we can go. Everyone gives their best and you can see [that] today.”
Salah is yet to win AFCON and the current edition in Morocco could represent his final opportunity to claim the trophy.
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Asked about the importance of guiding Egypt to silverware, Salah replied: “Definitely. I don’t think when I was [growing up] I was dreaming to play at that level. To be at able to play with such good players and this level is an honor.”
Monday’s win sets up a quarter-final against either Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso on Saturday, with kick-off 19:00 GMT (14:00 ET, 11:00 PT).