Salah Reaches 100 Egypt Goal Contributions Faster Than Messi and Ronaldo
Mohamed Salah hit a major international milestone as Egypt edged past Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals, with the Liverpool forward reaching 100 goal contributions for his country in a dramatic 3–2 victory.
The decisive moment came early in the second half when Salah struck in the 52nd minute, delivering inspiration at a critical point and helping fire the Pharaohs into the AFCON semi-finals while etching his name into elite company in international football.
The goal took Salah to a century of goal contributions made up of 65 goals and 35 assists, achieved in just 111 appearances for Egypt. That figure places him ahead of global icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in terms of speed to the landmark, underlining his sustained influence on the international stage.
The achievement carries added weight given Egypt’s ongoing quest for continental success. Salah, who made his senior debut in 2011, is now in his 15th year with the national team and captains a side desperate to lift the AFCON trophy after finishing runners-up on two previous occasions.
The quarter-final was played in a charged atmosphere, with both sides pushing the tempo from the opening exchanges. Ivory Coast pressed aggressively, but Egypt’s attacking play consistently flowed through Salah, whose movement and decision-making set the tone in the final third.
Key moments arrived at both ends, with chances exchanged and defensive lapses threatening to swing the contest. Egypt remained composed under pressure, relying on their captain to provide clarity when the game opened up.
Salah’s goal was a moment of precision and authority, arriving as Egypt emerged strongly after the interval. His finish proved decisive in a match that swung repeatedly before the Pharaohs finally asserted control.
The second half saw Ivory Coast search for a response, forcing Egypt to defend deeper at times. Tactical discipline and quick transitions helped Salah’s side protect their advantage as the clock ticked down.
Late pressure added tension, but Egypt held firm to secure progression and keep their title dream alive, with Salah once again central to the narrative.
The milestone places Salah behind only Pele and Neymar in the list of quickest players to reach 100 international goal contributions, while he now sits ahead of Romelu Lukaku, Luis Suarez, Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Robert Lewandowski, Miroslav Klose and Ali Daei in terms of games required.
For Salah, the focus now shifts firmly to silverware. Egypt’s semi-final place keeps alive his pursuit of a first AFCON title, a triumph that would cement his status not just as a national hero, but as a true continental great.