The Liverpool forward faces mounting pressure to lift AFCON, as Egypt take on Senegal in the semi finals on Wednesday
Mohamed Salah is heading into Egypt’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against Senegal with more than just a place in the final at stake, as growing voices within African football insist that continental glory is the missing piece in his legacy.
For all his club success in Europe, the Liverpool forward has been told that, without an AFCON title, his standing at international level will remain incomplete.
That reality has prompted a blunt assessment by former Nigeria international Jay-Jay Okocha, who highlighted how international success is viewed across the continent.
“In Africa you might win whatever trophy with your club, if you don’t win anything for your nation, they don’t regard you as a legend,” Okocha said on Channel 4 Sport.
Those views reflect a deeply rooted belief in African football culture, as club achievements in Europe carry prestige, but national success remains the ultimate measure of greatness.
For Salah, who has already lost AFCON finals and carried the emotional burden of near misses, the criticism cuts close to home.
Eager to make history with Egypt
Egypt’s current run has renewed optimism that this could finally be their year. The team reached the semi-finals after an impressive 3-2 victory over Ivory Coast, a performance that showcased both resilience and belief.
Salah played a central role, leading by example and setting the tone for a side that appears increasingly united.
After that win, Salah was quick to stress that personal milestones are secondary to national duty.
“It was a perfect win, but as I said before, we are fighting for our country,” he said. “Hopefully we go through the next game as well, it’s against a tough opponent, but we will give our best. We are fighting so hard, you can see the players, nobody is holding anything back. We are just carrying on.”
Salah has never hidden his desire to deliver AFCON glory to Egypt, and the emotion of previous defeats has only strengthened that resolve.
A third final appearance would underline his consistency on the international stage. Winning it would change the conversation entirely.
Yet, tonight’s clash brings added intrigue as Salah will once again face Senegal and his former Liverpool team-mate Sadio Mané, reprising a rivalry that defined both their time at Anfield and the 2022 AFCON final. That night ended in heartbreak for Salah, as Senegal triumphed in a penalty shootout to claim the trophy, with Mané emerging victorious.
Salah closing in on Egypt goalscoring record
Mohamed Salah is just two goals short of Egypt’s all-time goalscoring record. Hossam Hassan holds the record with 69 goals and, with at least two more matches guaranteed for Egpy, Salah has a great chance of breaking that record.
Salah has four goals this tournament, and a total of 11 AFCON goals, just one short of Hassan El-Shazly’s national record at the competition