Salah Keeps AFCON Dream Alive as Liverpool Wait and Senegal Loom
Mohamed Salah moved one step closer to the one honour missing from his career after firing Egypt into the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals, even as Liverpool continue to feel his absence back in England.
The Liverpool forward scored the decisive goal in a dramatic 3-2 quarter-final win over Ivory Coast, a result that leaves Egypt just two matches away from continental glory and sets up another defining chapter in Salah’s long-running rivalry with Sadio Mane.
The strike not only underlined Salah’s importance to Egypt, but also deepened Liverpool’s short-term dilemma. With goals proving hard to come by at Anfield, the Reds are still without their talisman as he remains fully focused on finishing the job in Morocco.
Salah has already conquered club football, winning the Premier League, Champions League, and every major domestic honour available to him. The Africa Cup of Nations remains the glaring omission. He has twice reached the final with Egypt, losing in 2017 and again four years ago, and has spoken openly about the weight of expectation he carries every time he pulls on the national shirt.
This tournament matters now more than ever. At 31, Salah is acutely aware that chances like this do not come around often, particularly with Egypt rebuilding and heavily reliant on his influence.
The quarter-final in Morocco carried knockout tension from the opening minutes. Ivory Coast pressed aggressively, while Egypt looked to slow the tempo and funnel play through Salah whenever possible. Every Egyptian attack seemed to hinge on his movement, positioning, and decision-making in the final third.
Despite fierce resistance, Egypt stayed composed, drawing confidence from their captain’s calm presence as the game opened up into a frantic contest.
Ivory Coast struck twice to keep Egypt under pressure, forcing Salah’s side to repeatedly chase the game. Defensive lapses tested Egypt’s resolve, while moments of brilliance going forward kept them alive.
Salah remained heavily involved, dropping deep to collect the ball and drive his team forward when momentum threatened to swing away.
Salah’s decisive goal came at a critical moment, arriving when Egypt needed clarity and conviction. He showed composure in front of goal, finishing with authority to tilt the tie back in Egypt’s favour and silence the opposition.
It was the kind of moment that has defined his career, calm execution under extreme pressure.
The closing stages were tense and physically demanding. Egypt focused on game management, sitting deeper and relying on Salah’s ability to relieve pressure through intelligent runs and ball retention.
Ivory Coast pushed relentlessly, but Egypt held firm, aware that one mistake could undo everything.
As the final whistle approached, the atmosphere grew increasingly hostile. Egypt defended with urgency, throwing bodies in the way and slowing the game wherever possible. Salah, visibly exhausted, continued to lead by example until the end.
When the whistle finally came, relief and belief washed over the Egyptian players.
The result sets up a semi-final showdown that feels heavy with history. Salah now stands between destiny and disappointment once again, with Sadio Mane and Senegal likely waiting on the other side.
For Liverpool, the wait continues. For Salah, the mission is clear. Two matches remain, and with his form in Morocco, the dream that has defined his international career is still very much alive.