Mohamed Salah sets Egypt target as he promises more success for Pharaohs

Egypt captain Mohamed Salah says the national team’s next objective is to build on their recent progress and make the country’s supporters proud.

Salah delivered his message during Wednesday’s training session, attended by Dr Jawhar Nabil, the Minister of Youth and Sports, as Egypt prepare to begin their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The Pharaohs face Angola and South Sudan on 25 and 29 September in their opening two qualifying fixtures. They will then finish their camp with a demanding friendly against South Africa on 4 October.

Salah said the squad was benefiting from stability on and off the pitch, with the players and coaching staff working closely together.

“We will build on what has been achieved during the past period,” the Liverpool forward said. “We have had a stable coaching staff for three years, we are moving in the right direction and there is a great understanding between everyone.”

The Egypt captain also highlighted the strong connection that has developed between the current team and the country’s supporters.

“We have managed to create a good and different relationship with the Egyptian people during the recent period,” he said. “I hope this relationship continues for as long as possible because the support of the people makes a huge difference to us.”

Salah expressed confidence in the quality available across the squad and said the team remained focused on reaching its targets.

“We have players of the highest level in every position and we can achieve our goals,” he added. “Our aim is to make the Egyptian people proud of us, and hopefully the coming period will be much better.”

The 34-year-old concluded by thanking the supporters for their backing and promising that the players would work to justify their confidence through their performances and results.

“We are happy with the current relationship between the national team and the fans,” Salah said. “We hope to continue living up to their expectations and to be a reason for their happiness in the coming period through our performances and results.”

Salah’s comments came just days before Egypt begin their qualifying schedule against Angola. The team will then meet South Sudan four days later before facing South Africa in their final match of the camp.

The captain said the squad would seek to use the progress of recent years as a foundation for further achievements, while maintaining the unity that he believes has helped strengthen the bond between the team and supporters.