Mohamed Salah is backed by Egypt teammates ahead of AFCON 2025 in Morocco.
Egypt teammates have rallied around captain Mohamed Salah as the national team prepares for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
The Pharaohs, seven-time continental champions, are drawn in Group B alongside Angola, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. They will be based in Agadir for the group stage.
“Players like him do not get benched,” striker Ahmed “Kouka” Hassan wrote on social media, referring to Salah’s substitute appearances in Liverpool’s last three league games. “Mo is not just a teammate, he is a leader, a legend for club and country. Every situation in life is temporary; moments like this pass, what stays is your greatness.”
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan called Salah “a symbol of perseverance and strength,” while winger Ahmed “Zizo” El Sayed labelled him “the greatest Liverpool legend of all time.” Goalkeeper Mohamed Sobhy described him as “always the best.”
Salah’s Liverpool form has been under scrutiny this season. The club lies 10th in the Premier League, 10 points behind leaders Arsenal, and Salah has scored four goals in 13 appearances. Following a 3-3 draw at Leeds, he claimed, “It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus,” hinting he may not play for Liverpool again. Saudi Arabia reportedly seeks to sign him in the mid-season transfer window.
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Despite past heartbreak in AFCON tournaments—including two runner-up finishes—Salah remains optimistic about winning the title with Egypt. “It will happen — that is what I believe. It is a great feeling every time you step on the field wearing the Egyptian colours,” he said.
Egypt’s squad includes Salah, Omar Marmoush (Manchester City), Mostafa Mohamed (Nantes), and Mahmoud ‘Trezeguet’ Hassan and Zizo (Al Ahly). Group B features two 2026 World Cup qualifiers: Egypt and South Africa. Angola and Zimbabwe, who recently changed coaches, complete the group.
The tournament kicks off on December 21, with high expectations for the Pharaohs as they seek a first AFCON title in 15 years.
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