Egypt’s national team stars have voiced strong support for captain Mohamed Salah as uncertainty grows around his future at Liverpool, with the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco fast approaching.
Egypt, the tournament’s most successful nation with seven titles, will compete in Group B alongside Angola, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, and will stay in the coastal city of Agadir during the opening phase.
Striker Ahmed “Kouka” Hassan publicly defended Salah after the forward was left out of Liverpool’s starting lineup for three consecutive matches, featuring only once as a substitute. Describing him as a football figure who “does not get benched,” Kouka insisted that if Salah begins a match on the sidelines, he should be the first option brought into the game. He praised Salah not only as a teammate but as a pivotal figure in both club and national team history, encouraging him to remain focused because challenging situations eventually fade while greatness persists.
Head coach and former Egyptian star Hossam Hassan added his support, sharing a photo with Salah and calling him “a symbol of perseverance and strength.” Winger Ahmed “Zizo” El Sayed referred to Salah as “the greatest Liverpool legend of all time,” while goalkeeper Mohamed Sobhy hailed him as “always the best.”
Liverpool’s title defence has stumbled, leaving them 10th after 15 league matches, 10 points off leaders Arsenal. Salah, likewise, has had a difficult campaign, scoring only four times in 13 league appearances.
After conceding leads twice in a 3-3 draw at Leeds United last weekend, Salah expressed frustration, saying, “The club has thrown me under the bus” and suggesting someone within Liverpool wanted him to bear responsibility for the downturn. The Egyptian star did not travel with the squad to Milan for Tuesday’s Champions League game against Inter, hinting he may not feature for the club again.
A Saudi Public Investment Fund source told AFP that the kingdom would do “whatever it can” to sign Salah during the mid-season transfer window, further fuelling speculation about his future.
Despite the turbulence, Salah remains committed to Egypt’s ambition of winning another continental title. Now 33, he believes the Pharaohs will lift the trophy again before he retires. He reflected on the pride of representing Egypt, even as he has faced heartbreak in previous AFCON campaigns, including two runner-up finishes and two round-of-16 exits. From his assist in the 2017 final to missing Egypt’s 2023 campaign after a hamstring injury against Ghana, Salah has repeatedly endured bitter endings in the tournament.
With a strong attack featuring Salah, Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush, Nantes forward Mostafa Mohamed, and Al Ahly stars Mahmoud “Trezeguet” Hassan and Zizo, Egypt enters AFCON 2025 with renewed optimism. Group B is the only group containing two teams qualified for the 2026 World Cup, Egypt and South Africa, promising higher competition intensity. South Africa, surprising bronze medallists at the 2024 AFCON, expect a tougher journey under Belgian coach Hugo Broos, who believes their previous success will motivate opponents even more.
Angola and Zimbabwe, who recently appointed coaches Patrice Beaumelle and Mario Marinica, respectively, round out the group. Angola have reached the quarter-finals three times, most recently last year, while Zimbabwe are still searching for their first-ever second-round appearance as the tournament kicks off on December 21.
What You Should Know
Mohamed Salah faces a turbulent period at Liverpool, marked by limited playing time and growing doubts over his future.
Yet his Egypt teammates and coaching staff have strongly affirmed their loyalty and confidence in him as he leads the Pharaohs into the 2025 AFCON. Despite past disappointments in the tournament, Salah remains determined to secure a long-awaited continental title.
With Egypt placed in a competitive group and backed by a talented squad, expectations remain high as the team prepares for another push at African football’s biggest prize.
