Mohamed Salah comments on Egypt's qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals and the match against Senegal
On a historic night of football that captivated millions of fans across the African continent, global superstar Mohamed Salah led his national team, Egypt, to a new milestone by qualifying for the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, hosted by Morocco. This qualification came after a thrilling and dramatic 3-2 victory for the Pharaohs over Ivory Coast, a match that demonstrated the Egyptian team's determination to reclaim its continental glory.
Salah relieves the pressure with realistic statements and humor
Following the final whistle, Egyptian national team captain Mohamed Salah appeared in media statements characterized by realism mixed with humor, as the Liverpool star was keen to lower expectations placed on the players. Salah emphasized that, based on statistics and rosters, the Egyptian national team is not the favorite for the title compared to other teams boasting a full complement of professionals playing in Europe's top five leagues.
In a lighthearted moment that stole the show, Salah jokingly teased his current coach and Egyptian football legend, Hossam Hassan, recalling an old statement by the latter. Smiling, Salah said, "Since Captain Hossam Hassan said we only had a quarter of professionals playing in Europe, we now have three-quarters, and none of us are playing regularly for our respective clubs anymore." This witty remark helped ease the tension and psychological pressure within the Egyptian camp before their crucial upcoming match, reflecting the positive spirit that prevails between the team captain and his coaching staff.
Facing Senegal: A footballing revenge match awaited by Egyptians
With Egypt reaching the semi-finals, Arab and African fans are eagerly anticipating an "early final" next Wednesday, as the Pharaohs face a fiery encounter with Senegal (the Lions of Teranga). This match carries a special revenge element, well known to followers of African football; Egyptian fans still remember the bitterness of losing the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations final in Cameroon to Senegal on penalties, in addition to missing out on qualification for the 2022 World Cup to the same opponent in a similar fashion.
This match is of utmost importance, as the current generation, led by Salah, seeks to break the Senegalese jinx and confirm that the Egyptian national team, which holds the record for the number of times it has won the tournament (7 titles), is determined to embrace the African princess that has been absent from its trophy cabinet since 2010.
Moroccan organization and public support
The Egyptian Pharaoh also praised the wonderful atmosphere provided by the Kingdom of Morocco in organizing the tournament, emphasizing that the infrastructure and stadiums are on par with international standards. Salah concluded his remarks by addressing the Egyptian fans, considering them the "key" and the primary motivation for the players to give their all. He pointed out that bringing joy to the Egyptian people is the ultimate goal that everyone strives to achieve, despite the technical differences with teams packed with professional players.
