Mohamed Salah, captain of the Egypt national team, has insisted that the Pharaohs should not be considered favorites to win the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, despite qualifying for the quarter-finals.
Egypt booked their place in the last eight after defeating Benin 3-1 in the Round of 16, in a match that went into extra time.
Speaking to beIN Sports after the game, Salah said:
“We were slightly better physically, and that gave us an advantage. But in African football, the levels are very close. There is no team winning by four or five goals. We have a good team and a good coach, and I’m proud of this victory.”
He added:
“I don’t think we are favorites to win the title. We have young players, and most of them play in the local league. We are simply fighting for our country, and we will see how far we can go. Everyone is giving their best.”
Salah was on the scoresheet against Benin, scoring during extra time to help seal Egypt’s qualification.
The goal marked a personal milestone for the Liverpool star, as it was his third goal of the tournament, the first time he has scored three goals in a single AFCON edition. He also reached 10 goals overall in Africa Cup of Nations history with the Egyptian national team.
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