Salah reveals one disadvantage Egypt have compared to AFCON rivals

The skipper scored his 44th international goal to bag the record seven-time champions a first win in AFCON 2021.

Egypt captain Mohamed Salah admits the Pharaohs are struggling and noted how their rivals have become stronger due to having ‘a lot of players in Europe’.

The Liverpool star volleyed in a second-half goal on Saturday to get Egypt up and running in the Africa Cup of Nations with a 1-0 victory over Guinea Bissau, their first of this year’s tournament.

Carlos Queiroz’s side had a lucky escape, though, when Mama Balde’s equalizer for Guinea Bissau was ruled out, as the forward fouled Egypt defender Omar Kamal in the build-up.

Only one MOTM candidate for today! 🇪🇬🤴

Mo Salah just had to stick around a little longer for an extra picture!😅 #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 #AFCON2021

Watch Now 👉 https://t.co/hkoevnV6B4 pic.twitter.com/BaejkT1CBg

— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) January 15, 2022

‘We may be one of the least teams with players playing in Europe’

After losing their AFCON opener 1-0 to Nigeria, the win was a welcome result. For Salah, however, Egypt still have a long way to go for that record-extending eighth title.

“I am happy with the victory, but I know that our performance has not been good today and in the past game; I hope we can improve,” he told beIN Sports.

“We are facing a lot of challenges and all the African teams have now become strong as they have a lot of players in Europe. We may be one of the least teams with players playing in Europe.

“I don’t really focus on scoring; what’s important for me is to help the team win. I want to win a title with Egypt, which would be my greatest achievement.”

Egypt are now in second place in Group D on three points, three behind leaders Nigeria. They return to action for their final group match against Sudan on Wednesday in Yaounde, Cameroon.