Shortly after becoming a member of Liverpool’s exclusive 150-goal club and leading his team to the summit of a hotly contested Premier League standings, Mohamed Salah revealed his desire to “win this competition.” After two finals, the player of the match in Monday’s 4-2 victory against Fulham has already turned his attention to taking home the Africa Cup of Nations trophy, which he has yet to win (AFCON).
Egypt’s captain Salah would soon depart the United Kingdom to link up with his teammates for the continental championship being held in the Ivory Coast from January 13 to February 11.
The tournament was originally scheduled for the summer of 2023, but was postponed due to the rainy season in the West African host nation.
Following his two goals against Newcastle at Anfield, which also sent him to the joint top of the scoring charts alongside Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, Salah was pressed about his priorities by former Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports.
“It means a lot to play in the national team,” Salah replied. “It’s a great feeling every time you step on the field with the national team jersey.”
“It’s something I cannot take for granted. I am just happy to be there, happy to play in the tournament.
“I want to win this competition [AFCON]. I would love to win it,” he reaffirmed.
Salah has been at the losing end of two AFCON finals – in 2017 as a young striker and in 2021 as the captain who tearfully saw his side lose to Senegal in a penalty shootout.
