Mohamed Salah will start for Egypt against Zimbabwe in their opening game of the Africa Cup of Nations and many Liverpool fans will be keeping an eye on their star man.
Liverpool star Mohamed Salah was at the heart of Egypt’s African Nations Cup match against Zimbabwe on Monday night. The championship favorites struggled despite their superiority, but Salah scored the winning goal in the second half and came from behind to win 2-1.
Salah’s future has been the subject of much debate following his departure from Liverpool’s first team. He spoke of being thrown under the bus after the draw with Leeds in early December, and of leaving for good as Arne Slott’s side beat Inter Milan in the Champions League, but returning for the game against Brighton before joining up with the national team.
Since Salah flew to Morocco for the AFCON, Liverpool’s situation has been complicated by an injury to record signing Alexander Isak requiring surgery. The blow means Salah is expected to stay at the club until at least the end of the season, but there is also interest from Saudi Arabia and other countries.
For now his focus is on Egypt. The Pharaohs headed to Morocco as one of the pre-tournament favorites, but the match against Zimbabwe, ranked 129th in the world, was tougher than expected.
Prince Dube scored in Zimbabwe’s first big chance of the game and a determined effort from the rearguard kept Egypt at bay for over an hour. However, Zimbabwe’s luck eventually ran out as Omar Marmouche scored the equalizer.
read more: Jamie Carragher lists Liverpool’s five options after Alexander Isak’s injuryread more: Mohamed Salah ‘crisis’, Egypt manager mentions in predictions for Liverpool
It took less than 10 minutes for Salah to get the crowd to their feet. He found space on Egypt’s right flank and sent a defiant ball to the back post, and former Aston Villa star Trezeguet’s header was scraped off the goal line by Zimbabwe keeper Washington Albi.
Just a minute later, a defensive error saw the Liverpool man come close to scoring, but his shot was blocked by the inferior players. But he became a clear threat as another pinpoint ball from the right channel was volleyed wide by Imam Ashour.
In the first half, Salah was more of a provider than a finisher, but when it came time for Marmouche to close in, he raced past Salah’s pass with the outside of his boot, but got the wrong angle. At this point, Egypt was lagging behind Dube’s attack, attacking with purpose but continuing to show openings on the counter.
Although Salah himself offered a lot, Egyptian coach Hossam Hassan was not so happy with the team as a whole. Ashour was sacrificed before half-time, with Mostafa Mohamed brought on to provide a focal point up front.
However, there was no danger of Salah being sent off early and he tried to do everything himself towards the end of the first half. But once again Zimbabwe snuffed out the threat that seemed to have found a breakthrough.
Egypt continued to dominate in the second half, but it took Manchester City star Marmouche until just after the hour mark to equalize. Salah also took no risks and sent a cross from the right side, which was headed in by substitute Mohamed.
Egypt and Salah have a few days off before facing South Africa in their next group match on Boxing Day. Bafana Bafana won their opening game against Angola with Burnley striker Lyle Foster scoring the winning goal.
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