Egypt teammates rally behind unsettled Salah before AFCON

As Mohamed Salahs position at Liverpool remains uncertain, his Egypt teammates have shown strong support for their national team captain prior to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The seven time record holders of the continental title are placed in Group B alongside Angola, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, and they will operate from the southern coastal location of Agadir during the initial stage.

"Talented players such as him should not sit out," stated forward Ahmed "Kouka" Hassan via social media, alluding to Salah serving as a substitute in the recent three matches for Liverpool, and entering the pitch just one time.

"Should he begin on the sidelines, ensure he is the initial substitution, following 60 minutes, or 65 at the most.

"Mo represents more than a fellow player, he embodies leadership and legendary status for both club and nation. Continue your diligent efforts brother, all life circumstances are fleeting, these phases fade, yet your excellence endures."

The head coach and ex prominent player Hossam Hassan shared an image of himself alongside Salah with the caption: "Forever an emblem of determination and resilience."

"The utmost Liverpool icon throughout history," commented winger Ahmed "Zizo" El Sayed. Goalkeeper Mohamed Sobhy described Salah as "consistently the finest".

Liverpool have encountered difficulties in defending their championship this term and sit in 10th place following 15 matches, trailing frontrunners Arsenal by 10 points. Salah has additionally faced challenges, netting only four goals across 13 Premier League outings.

Following two instances of relinquishing the advantage in a 3-3 stalemate against Leeds United this past Saturday, Salah remarked to journalists that "it appears the club has sacrificed me".

"I believe it is evident that an individual aimed to pin all the fault on me regarding the poor form, someone appears unwilling for me to remain at the club."

Salah was left out of the travelling party to Milan for the Champions League encounter versus Inter on Tuesday and has suggested he might not feature for Liverpool any longer.

Great feeling

Saudi Arabia indicates it will exert every effort to sign Salah in the upcoming mid season transfer period, according to a source from the Public Investment Fund in the country who spoke to AFP.

Even though Egypts most recent AFCON victory occurred 15 years prior in Luanda, Salah at age 33 is confident they will secure the prize once more prior to his retirement.

"It shall occur, that is my conviction. Representing Egypt on the pitch brings an immense sensation each time."

Salah has endured considerable disappointment across four AFCON editions, with Egypt achieving runner up status twice and departing in the last 16 on two occasions.

He assisted in the score that gave the Pharaohs the upper hand during the 2017 decider, yet Cameroon mounted a comeback to triumph 2-1 in Libreville.

As hosts and top contenders, Egypt were unexpectedly defeated by South Africa in the opening knockout phase two years ago, allowing a goal near the end to fall 1-0.

Egypt advanced to the 2022 final but suffered a penalty shootout loss to Senegal following 120 scoreless minutes in Yaounde.

In Ivory Coast during the previous edition, Salah dealt with a hamstring issue versus Ghana and missed the remainder of the event. Egypt exited via penalties against the Democratic Republic of Congo in the round of 16.

For this tournament, Egypt possesses a wealth of offensive options including Salah, Omar Marmoush of Manchester City, Mostafa Mohamed from Nantes, and Mahmoud 'Trezeguet' Hassan plus Zizo from Al Ahly in Cairo.

Group B stands as the sole section among the six in Morocco that includes two entrants for the 2026 World Cup, featuring Egypt and South Africa bound for the North American extravaganza.

South Africa surpassed projections by claiming third at the 2024 AFCON, though Belgian manager Hugo Broos anticipates a more demanding effort in a competition commencing on December 21.

"It shall prove more challenging since each rival will possess greater drive to overcome us following our third place achievement," noted the strategist who led Cameroon to the 2017 AFCON crown.

Angola and Zimbabwe have appointed fresh coaches lately, bringing in France native Patrice Beaumelle and Romanian Mario Marinica.

The Angolans have advanced to the quarter finals on three occasions, encompassing the most recent one, whereas the Zimbabweans have yet to progress past the preliminary phase.