Mohamed Salah Suffers Brutal End to AFCON Journey at Same Time as Liverpool Splutters Again

Mohamed Salah's Africa Cup of Nations campaign ended in heartbreak as Egypt lost 4-2 on penalties to Nigeria in the third-place playoff in Casablanca, Morocco, on Saturday.[1][2][3]

The match ended goalless after 90 minutes, with both teams denied by sharp defending and goalkeeping. Nigeria had two goals ruled out: Paul Onuachu's first-half effort for elbowing Egypt's Hamdi Fathy (confirmed by VAR) and Ademola Lookman's post-halftime strike for offside.[1][3] Egypt's counterattacks were limited, though they had late penalty appeals dismissed.[3]

In the shootout, Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as the hero, saving Egypt's first two penalties from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush. Salah's weak effort was parried early, setting the tone.[1][2][3][5] Nigeria's Fisayo Dele-Bashiru missed first, saved by Egypt's Ouba Shobeir, but Akor Adams, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi, and Lookman converted to secure third place—Nigeria's ninth such finish.[1][3]

Salah played the full game for Egypt, who settled for fourth despite a promising tournament. Coach Hossam Hassan viewed it positively as preparation for the 2026 World Cup, where Egypt face Belgium, New Zealand, and Iran in Group G.[1] Notably, Egypt's squad mostly hails from the domestic league, unlike rivals' European stars.[1]

Timing adds salt to the wound for Liverpool fans: Salah now returns amid the Reds' spluttering form. Manager Arne Slot confirmed discussions on whether the forward can feature in Wednesday's Champions League clash at Marseille, signaling club urgency.[2]

This brutal double blow—international penalty miss and Liverpool's struggles—caps a frustrating spell for the Egyptian king, but his club duties beckon immediately.[4]

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