Egypt star Mohamed Salah insists his side cannot be considered favourites for the Africa Cup of Nations but vows the team will give their all as they aim to progress further in Morocco.
Salah netted Egypt’s third goal in a hard-fought 3-1 extra-time win over Benin on Monday, securing the Pharaohs’ place in the quarter-finals.
Hossam Hassan’s squad is chasing their first AFCON crown since 2010 and a record eighth overall.
“I don’t think we are a favourite at all (to win the title)”, Salah told reporters.
“We have young players, and most of them play in Egypt. We just fight for our country… but everybody gives their best, and you could see today.”
The 33-year-old also stressed that no match in the tournament is straightforward.
“The level is quite similar. I told the team yesterday that no side loses by four or five goals. (Benin) have a good team and a good coach… I’m glad we managed to win in the end.”
With 10 goals in 22 AFCON appearances, Salah sits just two shy of Egypt’s all-time top scorer in the tournament, Hassan El-Shazly, and one behind his coach, Hossam Hassan.
Egypt will face either defending champions Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso in the quarter-finals in Agadir on Saturday.
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