Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah don officially set new Africa Cup of Nations record after e score against South Africa, making am the highest goalscorer for AFCON since e debut for the competition in 2017.
No player don score pass Salah for AFCON within this period. The Egypt star don now score nine goals in the tournament since e first appearance eight years ago, putting am ahead of every other player wey don feature for AFCON during that time.
Salah find himself at the centre of controversy during Egypt match against South Africa on Friday. Khuliso Mudau was judged to have fouled the Liverpool winger inside the penalty box shortly before half time, after VAR review.
Despite the arguments, the referee stand by the decision, and Salah calmly step up to convert the penalty, sealing a 1-0 win for the Pharaohs.
The goal mark Salah ninth AFCON goal overall and him second goal of the current tournament. Since 2017, no African player don score more AFCON goals pass am.
In terms of overall goal involvement for AFCON within that same period, only former Liverpool teammate and Senegal legend Sadio Mane (15) get better numbers than Salah, who don now record 13 goal involvements.
Africa Cup of Nations: Egypt and Mo Salah Fit Win the Trophy?
Egypt performance against South Africa deserve serious credit. Despite going down to 10 men during first-half stoppage time, the Pharaohs still manage defend their lead and see out the match.
The win push Egypt to the top of Group B with six points from six, officially booking their place for the round of 16.
Form-wise, Egypt dey solid. Dem don win their last three matches and don lose only two times in their last 16 games across all competitions.
Egypt don reach the AFCON final twice in the last four editions of the tournament, but dem no don lift the trophy since 2010. That long wait dey add extra motivation as dem push for glory in Morocco.
However, competition no go easy. Sadio Mane and Senegal don also reach two AFCON finals within that same period, including their 2021 victory over Egypt. Senegal remain one of the strongest contenders for the title again this year.
Why AFCON Important for Mohamed Salah Legacy
Even though Mohamed Salah don already secure him place as one of the greatest players wey ever play for the Premier League, criticism still dey follow am because e never win major international trophy with Egypt.
Former players and pundits, including Jamie Carragher, don question Salah international record despite him consistent brilliance at club level.
Salah don lead Egypt to two World Cups, including their return to the global stage in 2018 — their first World Cup appearance since 1990.
Still, some people feel say his achievements for country no dey get the same respect as his club success. Winning AFCON for Morocco fit change that narrative completely.
When Sadio Mane win AFCON in 2021 with Senegal, the success later push am to second position for the 2022 Ballon d’Or rankings. That example show clearly how international success fit elevate global perception of a player.
If Salah fit finally lift the AFCON trophy, e no go just silence critics — e go cement him legacy as one of Africa’s greatest footballers of all time.
Note: This page dey LIVE and we go dey update am regularly as more AFCON records, results and Mohamed Salah milestones drop.
