Mohamed Salah’s name continues to loom large over the Africa Cup of Nations, not only as Egypt’s talisman but as a defining figure of the tournament’s knockout phase.
As the 2025 finals in Morocco gather momentum, the Liverpool forward has again positioned himself at the centre of the continental conversation, blending historic milestones with decisive moments when his country needs him most.
SofaScore’s Team of the Tournament for the Round of 16, released on Wednesday, underlined Salah’s enduring influence. The Egypt captain was named in the ideal XI after another commanding display that carried the Pharaohs into the quarter-finals, while Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman topped the individual ratings with a flawless 10 out of 10.
Across four days of intense knockout action, eight matches delivered drama and clarity, separating contenders from pretenders as the competition entered its sharpest phase.
Salah’s inclusion was more than symbolic. His late goal in Egypt’s 3-1 victory over Benin at the Adrar Stadium in Agadir was a moment of elite composure, finished with the outside of his foot after spotting the goalkeeper off his line.
It was his 65th international goal, moving him closer to Hossam Hassan’s long-standing Egypt record of 68, and edging him nearer to Zambia great Godfrey Chitalu’s African benchmark of 79.
Remarkably, it also marked the first time Salah has scored three goals in a single AFCON edition, achieved during his fifth appearance at the tournament.
The SofaScore selection reflected a strong spread of continental excellence. Mali’s Djigui Diarra was chosen in goal, shielded by a defence featuring Egypt’s Yasser Ibrahim, Morocco’s Nayef Aguerd and Nigeria’s Calvin Bassey.
The midfield combined energy and flair through Yann Diomandé and Amad Diallo of Ivory Coast, Senegal’s Pape Gueye, Egypt’s Marwan Attia and the outstanding Lookman. Up front, Salah was paired with Nigeria striker Akor Adams.
Beyond Salah, Diallo’s contribution carried historical weight. The Ivorian winger became the first player from his country to score three goals in a single AFCON since Didier Drogba in 2012, reinforcing Ivory Coast’s attacking credentials ahead of the quarter-finals.
Attention now turns to a heavyweight showdown between Egypt and Ivory Coast. Salah, in form and closing in on history, will again be central as the Pharaohs seek to extend their campaign.
