Salah AFCON 2025 goals Can he lead Egypt to the title?

Will Salah’s AFCON 2025 goals secure Egypt’s 8th title? After a tough spell at Liverpool, the “Egyptian King” targets African glory in Morocco.

Egyptian icon Mohamed Salah is officially shifting his gaze from the rainy pitches of Merseyside to the vibrant stadiums of Morocco. As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off, the primary narrative surrounding the “Egyptian King” isn’t just about his talent, but his resilience.

After a turbulent period at Liverpool FC, Salah is reportedly “reinvigorated,” according to Egypt’s head coach Hossam Hassan. With the Pharaohs set to face Zimbabwe in their Group B opener this Monday in Agadir, the stakes have never been higher for the 33-year-old forward.

A Fresh Start Amidst Club Controversy

The lead-up to this tournament has been anything but smooth for Salah. Following a heavy Champions League defeat to PSV Eindhoven and a subsequent benching by Liverpool manager Arne Slot, tensions boiled over. Salah’s rare public outburst—where he expressed frustration at being a “scapegoat” for Liverpool’s shaky season—fueled rumors about a potential Anfield exit.¹

However, Coach Hossam Hassan is quick to dismiss any concerns regarding Salah’s mental state. “Salah’s morale in training is incredibly high,” Hassan noted during a press conference. “It’s as if he’s just starting his journey with the national team. He is focused, determined, and ready to lead.”

The Quest for the Elusive International Trophy

Despite a trophy cabinet overflowing with Premier League and Champions League medals, the Africa Cup of Nations remains the “missing piece” for Salah. Having finished as a runner-up in both 2017 and 2021, the pressure to deliver Egypt’s eighth title is immense.

Why this tournament is different for Salah:

• The Age Factor: At 33, this represents perhaps his final opportunity to win the trophy while still at the peak of his powers.
• The Partnership: Egypt boasts a lethal attack this year, with Salah pairing up with Manchester City’s inform forward Omar Marmoush.²
• The “National Team” Cure: Historically, Salah has used international breaks to find his scoring boots when struggling at the club level.

My Take: Why This Could Be Egypt’s Year

From a tactical perspective, the friction at Liverpool might actually benefit Egypt. A “point-to-prove” Mohamed Salah is often the most dangerous version of the player. Freed from the rigid tactical constraints and recent scrutiny at Anfield, Salah returns to a setup where he is the undisputed centerpiece.

While Liverpool fans might worry about his future, Egyptian fans see a captain who is hungry for redemption. If Hassan can successfully integrate the pace of Marmoush with Salah’s playmaking ability, Egypt won’t just be participants—they will be the team to beat.

Egypt vs. Zimbabwe

The journey begins on Monday. All eyes will be on the Agadir stadium to see if Salah can break his recent goal drought. One thing is certain: for the next month, the “Liverpool crisis” is a world away, and the dream of African royalty is the only thing on Mohamed Salah’s mind.