Carragher hits out at Salah penalty ‘madness’

The former Liverpool defender gave his views on Egypt’s Salah decision in the African Cup of Nations final shootout.

Egypt’s decision to not position Mohamed Salah higher in their list of penalty-takers was ‘madness’, according to Jamie Carragher.

The Pharaohs selected Salah as their fifth penalty-taker in the shootout of Sunday’s AFCON final against Senegal, after finishing 0-0 at the end of extra time.

But the captain never got to take a spot-kick, as Liverpool teammate Sadio Mane scored Senegal’s decisive fifth penalty to seal a 4-2 win in the shootout after Mohanad Lasheen missed for Egypt.

That is why your best penalty taker should never go fifth. Mo Salah not taking a penalty for Egypt in a shootout in a final is madness. Also happened to Ronaldo years ago for Portugal v Spain. #AFCON2021 #SENEGY

— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) February 6, 2022

“That is why your best penalty taker should never go fifth. Mo Salah not taking a penalty for Egypt in a shootout in a final is madness. Also happened to [Cristiano] Ronaldo years ago for Portugal v Spain,” Carragher tweeted.

“[it’s] someone who the manager thinks can handle pressure moments. I’m interested in if it’s the manager’s decision or the player’s.”

“Another thing that’s stupid in shootouts, teams who win the toss and let the opposition take the first penalty.”

As AFCON has ended, Salah and Mane are expected to report back to Liverpool soon. Jurgen Klopp’s side return to action on Thursday at home to Leicester City in the Premier League.