With Egypt in dire need of a trophy since 2010, it appears that this could be the year they return to their glory days, led by Mohamed Salah.
Salah's time with the national team has been largely disappointing for the 33-year-old since making his debut in 2011.
Despite helping his country secure qualification for the 2018 World Cup, their first in 28 years, Egypt had a disastrous campaign in Russia.
Placed in a group with the hosts, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia, Salah and co. failed to deliver and ended up fourth with zero points.
Fans were expecting more from the national team, especially on the back of a frustrating 2017 AFCON final, where they lost 2-1 to Cameroon.
To add to their woes, Egypt came up short in AFCON once again two years later, crashing out in the round of 16 to South Africa despite hosting the tournament.
Their struggles did not end there, with Salah facing double disappointment in 2022, losing the AFCON final to Senegal and ex-teammate Sadio Mane on penalties before suffering another defeat to the latter in the deciding World Cup qualifier a month later.
However, it seems this is the year Salah could finally taste international glory. The Liverpool ace is looking sharp and focused on achieving silverware.
After a nervy encounter with Zimbabwe in Egypt's opening match of the 2025 AFCON on Monday, it was Salah who popped up in the dying embers of the game to score the winner.
READ: Mohamed Salah scores dramatic injury-time winner as Egypt survive early AFCON scare
His strike will certainly add huge momentum to their title charge before facing Hugo Broos' South Africa on Friday.
Following the game, Salah refused to give any attention to the media and snubbed post-game interviews, indicating he has his sights set on the AFCON trophy.
READ: ‘It’s the first game’ – Mohamed Salah snubs interview despite scoring winner
"There is something Messi-Argentina 2021 about the Mo Salah and Egypt team at the moment," via Gary Al-Smith on X.
"Star player feeling the weight of the nation waiting for him to deliver, club drama, and a national team clearly ready to play for HIM. Will fate smile on him as it did the Argentine #10?|
