When Mohamed Salah leads Egypt in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final against Senegal, the pressure will be intense. As the team’s captain, he carries the hopes of a nation that has won the tournament seven times, with the last victory dating back to 2010, before Salah even joined the squad.
At 33 years old, Salah has faced disappointment in previous AFCON tournaments. He was a runner-up in both 2017 and 2021, and his team exited early in 2019 on home soil. Last year, he dealt with injury while Egypt was eliminated again. Yet, Salah remains determined. After a thrilling victory over Ivory Coast in the quarter-finals, he expressed his eagerness: “Nobody, even in Egypt, wants to win this trophy more than me. This is the title I am waiting for.”
The upcoming match holds added significance as Salah will go up against his former Liverpool teammate, Sadio Mane, who has bested him in two of their last three international encounters. With both being 33, this may be Salah’s final opportunity to secure an AFCON title, especially since the tournament will shift to a quadrennial schedule starting in 2028.
In many parts of Africa, there’s a belief that true greatness in football is measured by winning the AFCON. Despite Salah’s impressive accolades with Liverpool and numerous personal awards, the quest for this title looms large over his career.
Interestingly, according to a recent CAF report, the interest in AFCON has surged, with millions of viewers tuning in across Africa and the diaspora. This speaks to the importance of the tournament not just for football, but for national pride and unity.
As the semi-finals approach, fans are buzzing on social media, sharing their hopes and predictions. They’re eager to see if Salah can finally deliver that much-coveted title for Egypt, and many are placing their trust in his leadership.
In summary, the stage is set for a match filled with expectations, rivalries, and dreams. With Salah at the helm, Egypt aims to break their AFCON drought and bring the trophy back to Cairo.
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