Mo Salah AFCON Return ‘Confirmed’ with Play-Off Decision – Latest Liverpool FC News

Mohamed Salah's Egypt suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 semifinal defeat to Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on January 14, 2026, ending his hopes of winning the continental title. Sadio Mané, Salah's former Liverpool teammate, scored the decisive goal in the 78th minute at Stade Ibn-Batouta in Tanger, chesting down the ball before lashing it low past goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy[1][2][3]. Despite Salah netting four goals earlier in the tournament, he endured a frustrating night, failing to register a single shot or completed dribble in the 90 minutes[1][2].

The loss marks Egypt's first AFCON semifinal exit in 42 years, despite their record seven titles. A halftime clash between Salah and Mané sparked tensions, leading to a staff altercation and a caution for Senegal's Diarra, ruling him out of the final against Morocco[3]. Egypt pushed late, with Omar Marmoush testing Édouard Mendy in stoppage time, but couldn't equalize[2][3].

Salah's return to Liverpool is confirmed but delayed: Egypt will play Nigeria in the third-place playoff on Saturday, January 17 (or 16 per some reports), clashing with Liverpool's Premier League match against Burnley. Salah, 33, will join Arne Slot's squad afterward, potentially for the January 22 Champions League clash with Marseille, though fitness may limit him to the bench initially[1][4][5]. He should be ready for the January 24 Premier League game at Bournemouth[1].

Amid contract speculation, David Ornstein reports Salah plans to stay until season's end, with fresh talks planned afterward—despite any bench time reigniting rumors[1]. Egypt's decision to keep Salah for the playoff means Liverpool fans must wait a bit longer, but his Anfield homecoming is set post-tournament[4].

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