Is this Mo Salah's final opportunity to lead Egypt to AFCON victory?

The Pharaohs will compete fiercely against other top contenders like Nigeria, Senegal, Cameroon, and Morocco after being placed in Group B with Ghana, Cape Verde, and Mozambique. The presence of Mohamed Salah, perhaps the best player on the continent and one of the biggest football stars in the world, gives Egypt a significant advantage over their rivals.

The Pharaohs’ AFCON exploits over the years

Having won the trophy more than any other country, Egypt has a long history in the AFCON. When they hosted and won the tournament's inaugural edition in 1957, it was their first victory. They accomplished the feat once more in 1959, then in 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008, and 2010. Under the direction of famous coach Hassan Shehata, who coached a golden age of players like Ahmed Hassan, Mohamed Aboutrika, Mohamed Zidan, and Wael Gomaa, they won their last three championships.

Egypt hasn't been able to compete at the same level in the AFCON since their last title in 2010, nevertheless. Due to subpar qualifier performances, they were excluded from three consecutive tournaments in 2012, 2013 and 2015. In 2017, they participated once more and made it to the final, where Cameroon defeated them. They once again hosted the competition in 2019, but in the round of 16, they were shockingly defeated by South Africa. They made it all the way to the final once again in the 2021 edition but lost 4-2 on penalties to Senegal.

Is Mo Salah still the best on the continent?

The rise of Mo Salah to the status of a global superstar has been one of the primary factors in Egypt's comeback in the AFCON. With his speed, talent, and finishing prowess, the Liverpool forward has been a reliable performer for both his club and his country, scoring goals and creating them. Numerous individual and group honours, such as three Premier League Golden Boots, a Champions League title, a FIFA Club World Cup title, and a FIFA Puskas Award have been bestowed upon him.

Salah has also played a significant role for Egypt at the AFCON, contributing 64% of Egypt's goals in the AFCON since his debut in 2017. In the quarterfinal round of the 2021 competition, he won the man of the match award as Egypt defeated Morocco after extra time, he scored the goal to bring the game level in normal time and assisted the winner in extra time.

Salah's competition with other African stars who have achieved success at the club and international levels is strong. Over the years, he has shared the CAF Footballer of the Year podium alongside ex-Liverpool teammate Sadio Mane (Senegal), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon) and Riyad Mahrez (Algeria).

Victor Osimhen, a striker from Nigeria who is currently ranked among the finest in the world, is a newcomer to the scene after helping his club Napoli win the Italian Serie A for the first time since 1990. In the competition, he would also try to match his club form and lead his nation to glory.

Now or never for the Egyptian King

Five months after the African Championship in 2024 begins, Salah will turn 32. He might never again have the chance to honourably represent Egypt on a continental level. He will be attempting to follow in the footsteps of Aboutrika, a longtime Egyptian staple who was a vital part of the Egyptian team that won the competition three times in a row. Salah once referred to Aboutrika as "the best player I've ever played alongside."

Tournament overview and significance

Following an increase from 16 teams in 2019, the tournament's second iteration will have 24 teams. Additionally, the event will resume its traditional January–February dates after being shifted to June–July in 2019 owing to poor weather and club obligations. Ivory Coast will host the competition, which will take place at six locations across five cities (Abidjan, Bouake, Korhogo, San Pedro, and Yamoussoukro), having previously won the championship in 1992 and 2015.