AFCON 2025: Mohamed Salah plays down Egypt’s title favourites status

Egypt star Mohamed Salah has played down expectations surrounding the Pharaohs’ chances of winning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The Liverpool star insisted the team should not be considered favourites for the title in Morocco.

Speaking to CAFOnline, the Liverpool forward emphasised that Egypt’s focus remains on effort, commitment, and representing the nation with pride rather than being weighed down by external pressure.

Salah highlighted the makeup of the current Egypt squad, noting the presence of several young players still plying their trade in the domestic league. Despite their limited international exposure, the captain believed the team’s unity and fighting spirit could carry them far in the tournament.

He said, “I don’t think we are favourites. We have young players, most of them playing back home in Egypt. We are just fighting for our country, and then we see where we can go from there. Everyone here wants to give their best.”

Egypt is set to face the Ivory Coast in a highly anticipated quarterfinal clash.

On a personal level, Salah has enjoyed a strong AFCON 2025 campaign. He found the net in Egypt’s round-of-16 victory over Benin, taking his tally in the tournament to three goals.

That strike also lifted his overall international goal count to 66, leaving him just three goals shy of equalling Egypt’s all-time scoring record of 69, currently held by his head coach, Hossam Hassan.