Mohamed Salah leads Egypt into their AFCON 2025 semi‑final against Senegal carrying the weight of national expectation and his own long‑standing ambition to finally win Africa’s biggest prize. The Liverpool forward enters the clash knowing this tournament may represent his last realistic chance to lift the trophy that has eluded him throughout his career.
Salah’s pursuit of the elusive Afcon crown
Egypt remain Africa’s most successful national team with seven titles, yet their last triumph came in 2010. Salah debuted a year later and has since endured repeated heartbreak. Egypt finished as runners‑up in 2017 and 2021, suffered a last‑16 exit on home soil in 2019, and endured an early elimination in 2023 after Salah’s injury.
After Egypt’s quarter‑final win over Ivory Coast, Salah expressed his determination to complete his international legacy. He stated that he has won nearly every major honour in his career, but the Afcon title remains the one trophy he still desperately wants.
A decisive showdown with Sadio Mané
Wednesday’s semi‑final in Tangier adds emotional weight as Salah faces former Liverpool teammate Sadio Mané. The Senegal forward has won two of their last three international meetings, including the 2021 Afcon final. With both players now 33 and Afcon moving to a four‑year cycle from 2028, this edition may be Salah’s final major opportunity to bring the trophy home.
Legacy on the line for Egypt’s captain
Across Africa, many believe that true continental greatness requires an Afcon title. Despite Salah’s global achievements, the absence of this trophy continues to shape debates about his legacy. A victory in Morocco would not only end Egypt’s 15‑year wait but also cement Salah’s status among Africa’s all‑time greats.
