Egypt forward Mohamed Salah has played down his side’s chances of winning the Africa Cup of Nations, insisting they are not among the favourites despite booking a place in the quarter-finals.
The Liverpool star scored Egypt’s third goal in a hard-fought 3–1 extra-time win over Benin on Monday, sealing qualification as Hossam Hassan’s team continue their bid for a first AFCON title since 2010 and a record-extending eighth overall.
“I don’t think we are favourites at all,” Salah told reporters. “We have young players and most of them play in Egypt. We just fight for our country, but everybody gives their best and you could see that today.”
The 33-year-old added that there are no easy games at the tournament, pointing to the narrow margins that often decide matches.
He praised Benin’s performance and expressed relief at Egypt’s ability to see the tie through after extra time.
Salah now has 10 AFCON goals in 22 appearances, sitting just two behind Egypt’s all-time tournament top scorer Hassan El-Shazly and one behind his current coach Hassan.
Egypt will face either defending champions Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso in Saturday’s quarter-final in Agadir.
