Omar Marmoush has failed to make a serious impact this season for Manchester City but a strong AFCON campaign may help him return to the Premier League ready to earn a starting eleven place back at the Etihad.
After signing for the then-champions in the January window for an initial £59 million from Eintracht Frankfurt. Marmoush quickly settled into life in the Premier League. In his first half season in England he scored eight goals in 17 appearances.
However, he has struggled this season to find regular playing time and form. The arrival of Rayan Cherki has pushed the Egyptian to one side.
So far he has only played started in successive games once, back in August.
With the focus on Salah and his potential Liverpool exit, Marmoush has gone under the radar in the build-up to the tournament.
When Egypt kick-off their campaign against Zimbabwe on 22nd December. The eyes of all watching will be on Mohammed Salah and not Omar Marmoush.
This may help the winger to play with freedom and prove to the world the Pharoahs are not a one-man team.
This will be Marmoush’s third AFCON tournament. He featured in every game as Egypt rumbled to the final in 2021, only to lose on penalties to Senegal. At the 2023 edition he scored the equaliser in a 2- draw against Ghana to help the Pharaohs progress to the last 16.
After making his debut on 8 October 2021 in a 1-0 win over Libya, in which he scored the sole goal, he has made 40 appearances netting eight goals.
There will always be pressure when expectations are as high as they are for this squad. However Marmoush may feel the pressure less than Salah. If Egypt fail to make a deep run in the tournament it is likely blame will fall to the feet of the disgruntled Liverpool ace.
This will likely be his last AFCON as the understudy in this team. Come the next tournament in 2027, he will be leading his country. Filling a role left void by an ageing Mo Salah.
It is time for Marmoush to show that he is worthy of being Egypt’s next talisman.
