As Mohamed Salah’s future at Liverpool grows increasingly uncertain, the Egyptian national team has moved quickly to show full support for their captain ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, kicking off on December 21.

Egypt — the most decorated team in AFCON history with seven titles — will compete in Group B, alongside Angola, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. The Pharaohs will be based in Agadir for all three group-stage matches.

Egyptian Squad Backs Salah During Club Crisis

Tension between Salah and Liverpool escalated this week after the 33-year-old star was left out of the squad for the Champions League match against Inter Milan. His omission followed public comments suggesting he felt the club had “thrown [him] under the bus” after recent poor results.

Despite the drama in England, Salah’s Egypt teammates have emphasized unity and support.

Striker Ahmed “Kouka” Hassan wrote on social media that players of Salah’s stature “do not get benched,” adding that Salah remains a leader and symbol for both club and country. Kouka encouraged him to stay strong, saying:
“Every difficult moment passes — what remains is your greatness.”

Head coach Hossam Hassan, a national team legend himself, shared a photo with Salah alongside a message praising his resilience and dedication.

Other teammates, including winger Ahmed “Zizo” El Sayed and goalkeeper Mohamed Sobhy, publicly called him an inspiration and one of the greatest Egyptian footballers of all time.

Salah’s Struggles at Liverpool Add to AFCON Drama

Liverpool have endured a poor title-defense season, sitting 10th after 15 matches and trailing league leaders Arsenal by 10 points. Salah has managed just four goals in 13 Premier League games, a significant dip from his usual prolific output.

Following a disappointing 3–3 draw at Leeds United, Salah expressed his frustration to reporters, saying:
“It seems like someone wants me to take the blame… someone doesn’t want me at the club.”

His absence from the travelling squad to Milan added fuel to speculation that he may have already played his last game for Liverpool.

Saudi Arabia Reignites Interest in Salah

A senior source within Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) confirmed that the kingdom is prepared to make another aggressive push to sign Salah in the upcoming mid-season transfer window. Saudi clubs previously offered record-breaking bids for the Egyptian forward in 2023 and 2024.

Salah Focused on AFCON Glory Despite Past Heartbreak

Though Egypt last lifted the AFCON trophy 15 years ago, Salah insists he remains confident the team will win another title before he retires.

He has endured several painful moments in past tournaments:

• 2017: Egypt led the final through a Salah-assisted goal before Cameroon came back to win 2–1.
• 2019: Egypt exited early after a shock defeat to South Africa on home soil.
• 2022: Egypt reached the final but lost to Senegal on penalties.
• 2023: Salah missed the second half of the tournament after a hamstring injury; Egypt were eliminated by DR Congo on penalties.

Despite the disappointments, Salah maintains that “wearing the Egyptian colours is always a great feeling.”

Egypt’s Strong Attacking Lineup Offers Renewed Hope

This year’s Egyptian squad features a deep attacking lineup, including:

• Omar Marmoush (Manchester City)
• Mostafa Mohamed (Nantes)
• Mahmoud “Trezeguet” Hassan
• Ahmed “Zizo” El Sayed
• Mohamed Salah leading the front line

Group B is also the only AFCON group that includes two teams qualified for the 2026 World Cup: Egypt and South Africa.

South Africa, who secured a surprise third-place finish in the 2024 AFCON, are expected to be strong contenders again. Coach Hugo Broos, who won the 2017 AFCON with Cameroon, warned that the competition will be tougher this time due to heightened expectations.

Angola and Zimbabwe enter the tournament with new coaches — Patrice Beaumelle and Mario Marinica, respectively — hoping for improved results. Angola has reached the quarterfinals three times, including last year, while Zimbabwe has never passed the group stage.