Salah’s relationship with Liverpool is strained, but the disgruntled star will be welcomed by his Egyptian team-mates at the AFCON, which starts on December 21.
With Mohamed Salah’s future at Liverpool in doubt, his Egyptian team-mates have rallied in support of their national team captain ahead of the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
The record seven-time continental champions are in Group B alongside Angola, South Africa and Zimbabwe and will be based in the southern coastal city of Agadir throughout the first round.
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“You can’t put a player like him on the bench,” striker Ahmed “Kouka” Hassan said on social media, noting that Salah had come on as a substitute in Liverpool’s last three games and only made one appearance.
“If he starts on the bench, you have to make sure he comes on first after 60 minutes, 65 minutes at the latest.
“Mo is more than just a teammate, he’s a leader and a legend for club and country. Good luck, brother, every situation in life is temporary, moments like this pass, but what remains is your greatness.”
Head coach and former star player Hossam Hassan posted a photo of himself and Salah with the message: “Always a symbol of perseverance and strength.”
“The greatest Liverpool legend of all time,” wrote winger Ahmed “Zizo” El Said. Goalkeeper Mohamed Sobhi called Salah “the best of all time”.
Liverpool have struggled to defend their title this season, and after 15 matches are in 10th place, 10 points behind leaders Arsenal. Salah has also played 13 games in the top flight, scoring just four goals.
“It seems like the club threw me under the bus,” Salah told reporters after surrendering the lead twice in last Saturday’s 3-3 draw with Leeds United.
“I think it’s clear that someone was trying to put all the blame (for the slump) on me…someone doesn’t want me at the club.”
Salah was left out of the squad that traveled to Milan for Tuesday’s Champions League match against Inter, and has hinted he may not play for Liverpool again.
“Feeling great”
Saudi Arabia has said it will “do everything possible” to acquire Salah during the mid-season transfer window, a source at the kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) told AFP news agency.
Egypt last won AFCON 15 years ago in Luanda, but Salah, 33, believes Egypt will lift the trophy again before he retires.
“It will happen – that’s what I believe. Every time I put on the Egyptian colors and step on the field, I feel great.”
Salah has suffered major heartbreak in four AFCON tournaments as Egypt finished runners-up twice and were eliminated in the Round of 16 twice.
He scored the goal to put the Pharaohs ahead in the 2017 final, but Cameroon came back to win 2-1 in Libreville.
Egypt, the host country and favorite to win, lost to South Africa in the first round of the finals two years later, conceding a goal in the final stages and losing 1-0.
Egypt also reached the final in 2022, but lost to Senegal on penalties in Yaounde after 120 minutes without a goal.
He injured his hamstring in Ivory Coast’s game against Ghana last year and was unable to play any further. Egypt faced the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the round of 16 and lost on penalties.
Egypt boasts a diverse attacking line-up this year, including Salah, Manchester City’s Omar Marmouche, Nantes’ Mostafa Mohamed, and Cairo giants Al Ahly’s Mahmoud “Trezeguet” Hassan and Zizo.
Group B is the only two Moroccan nations to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, with Egypt and South Africa heading to North America for the global stage.
South Africa exceeded expectations by finishing third at the 2024 AFCON, but Belgian coach Hugo Bruce expects an even tougher competition in the tournament, which begins on December 21.
“Winning the bronze medal will make it more difficult because any opponent will be more motivated to beat us,” said the tactician who led Cameroon to the AFCON title in 2017.
Angola and Zimbabwe recently changed managers, appointing French-born Patrice Baumel and Romanian Mario Marinica.
Angola has advanced to the quarterfinals three times, including last year, but Zimbabwe has never made it past the first round.
