Former Egypt international and Aston Villa defender Ahmed Elmohamady has criticized Jamie Carragher’s recent comments downplaying the significance of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Carragher suggested that Mohamed Salah’s international career lacks impact due to not participating in “major tournaments,” implying AFCON doesn’t hold the same weight as competitions like the World Cup.
Elmohamady, a two-time AFCON champion with Egypt in 2008 and 2010, responded assertively on social media: “Jamie Carragher doesn’t know what major tournaments are because he never won one. AFCON is a major tournament. So proud to have won it twice.”
The debate intensified as other football figures weighed in. Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand labeled Carragher’s view as “ignorant,” emphasizing AFCON’s importance in global football.
Carragher later acknowledged his remarks were “clumsy,” clarifying that his intent was to highlight the challenges players from nations outside traditional powerhouses face in gaining global recognition.
