Ghazl El Mahalla goalkeeper Amer Amer, who previously played for Enppi, has dismissed the idea that Mohamed Salah should carry the full blame for Egypt’s failure to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Amer stressed that football is a team sport, and regardless of a player’s reputation or influence, success or failure is shared by the entire squad, including substitutes, coaching staff, and support personnel.
“Mohamed Salah is just one player among many,” Amer said in a radio interview. “No matter how big his name is or how important his contributions are, he cannot be the only person held responsible. Football is 11 players, plus substitutes, the technical staff, the support staff — everyone shares responsibility in victory and defeat.”
Reflecting on Egypt’s run to the semi-finals in Morocco, Amer said the national team gave their all against opponents whose squads were largely made up of professional players, while Egypt had only a few professionals in their ranks.
“We hoped to win the 2025 AFCON, but it wasn’t meant to be,” he added. “The team fought hard, and reaching the semi-finals with a squad that is 90% local players is a major achievement for Egyptian football and the domestic league.”
Amer also praised Morocco’s goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou, as the standout keeper of the tournament. He highlighted Bounou’s composure and ability to manage the game under pressure.
“Bounou caught my attention with his consistency and strong performances,” Amer said. “He is calm and balanced on the field, not easily affected by pressure, and he knows how to handle attackers. Reaching the final gave him an edge over Mohamed El Shenawy, but both are excellent goalkeepers. El Shenawy is a dear friend and a veteran in the position.”
Amer also praised the current form of Wadi Degla, describing them as the best team in the Egyptian Premier League at the moment. He credited coach Mohamed El Sheikh for their impressive performances.
He also defended Magdy Abdel-Aaty, describing him as one of the most respected technical directors in the league. Amer believes Abdel-Aaty has been unfairly judged due to the clubs he has worked with and expressed his desire to have played under his guidance.
Closing his comments, Amer singled out Imam Ashour as Egypt’s top player.
“Imam Ashour is currently the best player in Egypt, without a doubt,” he said. “He has exceptional quality and is different from all other Egyptian players. Any coach can build a team’s strategy around him — his talent is in a league of its own.”
