Egypt captain Mohamed Salah has played down suggestions that the Pharaohs are favourites to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, insisting the team must continue to fight and give their all as the tournament progresses in Morocco.
Salah was on target as Egypt booked their place in the quarter-finals with a hard-fought 3-1 extra-time victory over Benin on Monday, scoring the third goal to seal the win.
Hossam Hassan’s side are chasing their first AFCON title since 2010 and a record-extending eighth crown, but the Liverpool star believes expectations should be kept in check.
“I don’t think we are favourites at all to win the title,” 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 also warned against underestimating any opponent at the tournament, stressing that matches are often decided by fine margins.
“The level is quite similar,” he added.
“I told the team yesterday that no side loses by four or five goals. Benin have a good team and a good coach, so I’m glad we managed to win in the end.”
Salah now has 10 goals in 22 Africa Cup of Nations appearances, moving to within two goals of Egypt’s all-time top scorer at the tournament, Hassan El-Shazly, and just one behind his current coach, Hossam Hassan.
Egypt will face either defending champions Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso in the quarter-finals in Agadir on Saturday.
