Egypt captain Mohamed Salah says the Pharaohs should not be considered favourites to lift the Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco, despite their progress to the quarter-finals of the 2025 tournament.
The Liverpool forward was speaking after scoring in the round-of-16 victory over Benin and used the interview with Cafonline to strike a cautious tone about Egypt’s prospects, even as his side prepares for a high-profile showdown with Ivory Coast on Saturday.
Salah acknowledged the hunger within the squad but made it clear that the team’s current profile places them outside the group of leading contenders.
“I don’t think we are favourites. We have young players, most of them playing back home in Egypt,” Salah said.
The 31-year-old stressed that Egypt’s approach is grounded in commitment rather than expectation, adding: “We are just fighting for our country, then we see where we can go. Everyone here just wants to give their best.”
His words reflect a blend of realism and quiet ambition.
While Egypt are one of Africa’s most decorated nations, this current generation features several emerging players who are still gaining experience at international level.
Salah’s comments suggest a desire to lower external pressure and allow the team to compete without the burden of being labelled tournament favourites.
Saturday’s clash with Ivory Coast is set to be one of the defining matches of the quarter-final stage, bringing together two traditional heavyweights of African football.
For Egypt, it represents both a test of their development and an opportunity to measure how far the group has come in Morocco.
Salah’s influence has already been pivotal in the tournament.
His goal against Benin not only secured progression but also took his international tally to 66 goals, moving him to within three of head coach Hossam Hassan’s long-standing Egypt scoring record of 69.
The milestone underscores the veteran forward’s enduring importance to the national side, even as he insists that collective effort, rather than individual achievement, remains the priority.
Despite his personal success, Salah has consistently deflected attention away from records and accolades.
His latest remarks reinforce that stance, placing the focus firmly on teamwork and national pride rather than on predictions about lifting the trophy.
The Pharaohs’ journey in Morocco has been marked by determination rather than dominance, and the captain’s message is one of humility and resolve.
Egypt, he suggests, are not arriving at the quarter-finals with a sense of entitlement, but with the mindset of a group still forging its identity.
As the tournament enters its decisive phase, Salah’s leadership will be crucial, both on the pitch and in shaping expectations off it.
By downplaying Egypt’s status as potential champions, he appears intent on keeping his young squad grounded as they prepare for their sternest challenge yet against Ivory Coast.
