Mohamed Salah's quest for his first Africa Cup of Nations title will have to wait, as his Egyptian side fell to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Senegal in the semi-finals. The loss, courtesy of a Sadio Mane goal 12 minutes from time, marks the latest chapter in a long and frustrating tale of near-misses for the Liverpool forward on the international stage.
In a match that failed to spark into life, Mane's decisive strike was enough to secure Senegal's place in the final, leaving Salah to ponder what might have been. The Egyptian forward, who has been in scintillating form throughout the tournament, was left to rue his side's lackluster performance, which ultimately proved costly.
It is not easy for him - but still best of luck. He did everything to carry his team until now. Unfortunately one of us had to [lose]. I'm happy [to be] in the final. - Sadio Mane
This is not the first time that Mane has been the thorn in Salah's side on the international stage. In the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations final, Mane scored the winning penalty to clinch Senegal's maiden title, while in a 2022 World Cup qualifying tie, he again converted the decisive spot-kick to send his side to the tournament in Qatar, with Salah missing his effort.
Salah's thirst for international success is well-documented, and this latest setback will only serve to strengthen his resolve. Since joining Liverpool in 2017, the 33-year-old has won every major club trophy on offer, including the Premier League and Champions League. However, it is the Africa Cup of Nations title that has eluded him, and he has spoken publicly about his desire to claim the prize.
Nobody, even in Egypt, wants to win this trophy more than me, Salah said after helping his side beat Ivory Coast in the quarter-finals. I have won almost every prize. This is the title I am waiting for. With his age and long-term future at Liverpool uncertain, this may have been Salah's last chance to claim the title as a Premier League talisman.
Former Chelsea and Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel believes that Salah will not give up on his dream of winning the Africa Cup of Nations. He has been waiting. We are all fans of Mo Salah, I played with him, great guy. He has won everything at club level but everyone wanted him to win this title. Mikel's sentiments were echoed by former Morocco midfielder Hassan Kachloul, who warned Salah that time is running out to lead Egypt to an eighth Africa Cup of Nations title.
He will not stop until he gets his rewards. He will play again in two years. He will try to concentrate on the next tournament and win the title - or else it will be the one that gets away as there won't be many more chances. - Hassan Kachloul
Salah and Egypt will face Nigeria in a third-place play-off on Saturday, before he returns to Liverpool to put this disappointment behind him. Despite the setback, Salah's determination and desire to succeed on the international stage remain unwavering, and he will undoubtedly be back, hungrier than ever, to claim the Africa Cup of Nations title that has long eluded him.
Original: BBC Sport
Image: BBC Sport
Written by Npsports
