Liverpool icon Mohamed Salah has downplayed Egypt’s status as title contenders for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, despite the Pharoahs securing a spot in the final eight. Speaking with CAF Online, the national team captain asserted that the squad prioritizes national service and determination over external expectations. Salah has already showcased his elite form during the competition in Morocco, finding the back of the net three times to help navigate his side through the group stages and the Round of 16.
The record-breaking forward emphasized the youthful nature of the current Egyptian roster, noting that a significant portion of the team still competes in the domestic Egyptian Premier League. This transition toward a younger generation has influenced Salah’s perspective on the team’s standing compared to other continental heavyweights. As they prepare to face the defending champions, Ivory Coast, on Saturday, the striker maintains that the players remain focused on their individual and collective contributions rather than tournament predictions.
“I don’t think we are favourites. We have young players, most of them playing back home in Egypt,” Salah said during the interview.
The upcoming fixture at the Grand Stade d’Agadir represents a massive hurdle for the seven-time champions, as they seek a path into the semi-finals. While many analysts view Salah’s presence as a deciding factor, the player himself insists that the team’s strength lies in their shared commitment to the national cause. He believes that the underdog mentality serves the squad well, allowing them to play without the burden of being the team to beat.
“We are just fighting for our country, then we see where we can go. Everyone here just wants to give their best,” the superstar added.
Egyptian manager Hossam Hassan will rely heavily on Salah’s leadership and clinical finishing to overcome an Ivorian side that remains one of the most physically imposing teams in the tournament. With the winner of this match potentially facing Morocco or Cameroon in the next round, the stakes could not be higher for the Pharoahs. Fans across Cairo and beyond expect a disciplined performance as Egypt pursues its first continental trophy since 2010.
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