The Liverpool forward scored a last-minute winner for his native Egypt at AFCON
International news outlets have been quick to deliver their verdict on Mohamed Salah after the Liverpool forward struck a dramatic last-minute winner for Egypt in their opening African Cup of Nations (AFCON) clash.
In the first minute of second half stoppage time, Salah held off his marker before rifling a low left-footed shot low into the bottom corner to secure a 2-1 win, sparing the Pharaohs’ blushes against minnows Zimbabwe, who have never progressed past the tournament’s group stage.
The 33-year-old comes into AFCON under intense scrutiny following a public fallout with Reds boss Arne Slot. Salah accused the club of ‘throwing him under the bus’ after a poor run of results, fuelling speculation that he could leave Anfield during the January transfer window.
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For now, however, Salah’s focus is firmly on international duty. Egypt may be record seven-time AFCON winners but their superstar talisman has never picked up a winners’ medal, falling at the final hurdle twice in 2017 and 2022.
Al Jazeera
Arabic news network Al Jazeera praised Salah’s decisive last-minute intervention with the headline: “Mohamed Salah puts Liverpool controversy behind him with dramatic winner against Zimbabwe in their AFCON opener.” But the match report also noted that Salah appeared off the pace for long spells – with a lack of recent match minutes possibly to blame.
“Salah had come into the tournament in Morocco under the spotlight following a fiery outburst after being dropped by the Premier League champions and struggled to find his rhythm for most of the match,” Al Jazeera said. But the winger contributed “when it counted” to ensure his country moved to the top of Group B.
AS
Spanish outlet AS declared “Salah is still the pharaoh” after the Egypt skipper pounced in stoppage time. “In the opening minutes, Salah showed that he had put his controversy at Liverpool behind him and was committed to the team,” the newspaper noted, adding that Salah “saved his best for last with a precise shot” to hand his side victory.
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AS also praised the Liverpool forward’s international teammate Omar Marmoush, describing him as a “luxury partner” for “undisputed leader” Salah after the Manchester City star equalised after the Warriors had taken a surprise early lead.
Bild
German newspaper Bild said the game was “Salah madness at the African Cup of Nations” with “pure drama thanks to superstar Salah”. This was “the Salah show,” the paper triumphantly declared – with praise also dished out to compatriot Marmoush for getting the Pharaohs back into the game.
Al-Ahram
Egypt’s most widely-circulated newspaper offered a more measured analysis, noting that Salah seemed lethargic for much of the game. It wrote: “The Liverpool forward had little influence for much of the contest but proved decisive at the death, converting from close range to earn the Pharaohs a hard-fought three points.”
