Egypt’s rise in the African Cup of Nations has been boosted by Mo Salah’s goal – and a delayed return to Liverpool is actually good news for Arne Slott
Egypt held a one-point lead over Benin by the time the battle for the last 16 progressed into extra time, but was under intense pressure. A long throw-in was sent into the Egyptian penalty area, and when it was cleared, the ball went to Mohamed Salah, who was running around inside the opponents’ half.
After the goalkeeper moved forward, I thought about it again, but it was too late. Salah scored with his left foot out of the boot from 30 yards to go, sealing Salah’s place in the last eight of the African Cup of Nations. Salah’s smile never seemed to leave his face.
It was an image that should not only cheer the Egyptians, but also cheer Liverpool fans. Perhaps this adventure with the national team could not have come at a better time for the player and the club.
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In that moment on Monday, Salah appeared to have regained his mojo. That can only be good for everyone involved. And he did an interview after the game, but he wasn’t the type to be dropped by Arne Slott.
Instead, he talked about the honor of representing his country. Salah was without the baggage of club football.
It has been his dream to succeed in Egypt since his first cap over 14 years ago, although Egypt do not have strong hopes of winning the tournament. He is an ardent patriot and takes his role as a role model for young Egyptians very seriously.
Salah will miss Liverpool’s game against Arsenal in the Premier League as Egypt continues to participate in AFCON, drawing in the quarter-finals on Saturday. And of course, whatever happens in Morocco over the weekend, he will not be playing in Monday’s FA Cup game against Barnsley.
This means Salah will miss at least six club games if he returns to the Liverpool game. And at the moment there is nothing to suggest he will not return to the Liverpool game.
Even captain Virgil van Dijk said he was unsure whether Salah would play for Liverpool again when he expressed his gratitude after the victory over Brighton at Anfield last month. However, that scenario currently seems unlikely, especially with Alexander Isak out for some time and Hugo Ekitike having fitness issues.
Slots need all the attack options you can get. Liverpool have fared well in the absence of their Player of the Year, winning two and drawing two of their four Premier League games.
But equally, they clearly missed the threat that an in-form Salah could pose to the side. The problem was that Salah wasn’t at his best in the first half of Liverpool’s season, scoring just five goals and providing four assists in 20 appearances.
However, he currently has three goals in three games in AFCON. Salah may just be finding form again on the international stage, which he clearly loves. This is good news for Egyptians and should also be good news for Liverpool fans.
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