Salah’s Pursuit of International Glory with Egypt

CAPE TOWN: Mohamed Salah demonstrated his value to Egypt once more by netting two goals in a 3-0 victory against Djibouti on Wednesday, securing their participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

With Egypt needing only a single point to ensure qualification, Salah guaranteed their spot with a stylish performance, initiating the scoring with a skillful flick and later adding a superb lobbed volley to seal the win.

This will be Salah’s second appearance at the World Cup. However, despite his established international reputation, he has yet to achieve major tournament success with the Egyptian national team.

The 33-year-old forward has enjoyed a remarkable club career with Liverpool, but his tenure with the national team has been characterized by narrow defeats and disappointments.

Egypt, a seven-time champion in Africa, has not won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) since 2010, just prior to Salah’s international debut.

He has competed in two AFCON finals, suffering defeats in 2017 and 2022, and experienced early eliminations in 2019 and 2023. His standout moment in the World Cup was in 2018 when he scored Egypt’s only goals, though they lost all three of their group stage matches.

As Egypt prepares to compete in the upcoming AFCON in Morocco, Salah is focused on securing a final chance at continental success, potentially in his last major tournament. Boasting 61 goals in 106 appearances, his legacy is already significant, but attaining a major international title remains his ultimate objective.

Away from the field, Salah has voiced his concerns regarding the perception of his status by officials, suggesting it impedes open and honest communication.

Nevertheless, he remains determined to conclude his international career on a high note.