As the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco gathers momentum, excitement is building around teams still standing in the competition.
Yet inside the Egypt camp, the mood is noticeably calm and measured.
Team captain Mohamed Salah has made it clear that the Pharaohs are not getting carried away by outside predictions or early praise.
Speaking in a statement published on CAF’s official website on Friday, Salah pushed back against suggestions that Egypt should now be seen as tournament favourites, insisting the squad is focused on taking things one match at a time.
A Hard Road to the Quarter-Finals
Egypt’s journey to the quarter-finals has been anything but straightforward.
The seven-time champions had to dig deep to overcome a stubborn Benin side, eventually sealing a 3–1 victory after extra time.
The result keeps alive Egypt’s dream of claiming a record-extending eighth AFCON title.
Once again, Salah stepped up when it mattered most.
The Liverpool star scored Egypt’s decisive third goal on Monday night, bringing his tournament tally to three goals in three matches and reinforcing his role as the team’s driving force.
Salah Plays Down Favourite Tag
Despite his goals and leadership, the 32-year-old was quick to lower expectations after the match.
According to him, Egypt’s squad profile does not justify favourite status.
“I don’t think we are favourites,” Salah said.
“We have young players, and most of them play back home in Egypt.
We are just fighting for our country, and then we see where we can go. Everyone here just wants to give their best.”
His comments reflect a wider belief within the squad that humility and focus, rather than hype, will determine how far they go in the tournament.
Smart Squad Management Pays Off
Salah has featured in every match except one, having been rested during the final group-stage game against Angola after Egypt had already secured qualification.
Head coach Hossam Hassan’s decision appeared to pay dividends, especially as the team found extra energy during the later stages against Benin.
“Physically, we were a little better in extra time, and that gave us the advantage,” Salah explained.
“There is no easy game in Africa anymore because the levels are very close.”
He added that the days of heavy scorelines are largely gone, underlining how competitive the tournament has become.
Respect for the Opposition
Salah was also quick to praise Benin, acknowledging that Egypt faced a well-organised and well-coached side.
“We played against a team with a good coach and a strong structure,” he said.
“It wasn’t easy, but we are happy to have won in the end.”
The comments highlight Egypt’s awareness that progress in the tournament will continue to demand discipline, patience, and resilience.
Quiet Leadership, Big Impact
While Salah has largely avoided the spotlight during Egypt’s stay in Agadir, his influence on the pitch remains undeniable.
Having already suffered heartbreak in two previous AFCON finals, the forward is still chasing his first continental title.
His three goals in Morocco have now taken his international total to 66, leaving him just three goals short of Hossam Hassan’s long-standing Egypt scoring record of 69.
Coach Backs His Captain
Head coach Hossam Hassan, himself a former AFCON winner, has previously spoken glowingly about Salah’s importance to the team.
“He is a very important player, not only for us but also for his club Liverpool,” Hassan said.
“He has shown his leadership in this tournament, guiding the young players and taking responsibility. We are blessed to have him, and I expect him to keep scoring.”
What’s Next for the Pharaohs?
For all the personal milestones and praise, Salah insists his attention remains firmly on the collective goal.
As Egypt continue their quest for continental glory in Morocco, the captain’s message is simple: stay focused, stay humble, and keep moving forward—one step at a time.
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn