The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Related Articles
Via: AFP
Egypt coach Rui Vitoria expressed uncertainty about Mohamed Salah’s participation in the remainder of the Africa Cup of Nations, following an injury sustained in Thursday’s 2-2 draw against Ghana. The Liverpool striker left the field late in the first half, visibly holding the back of his left leg.
Vitoria remarked, “We don’t know yet what is the problem. I hope not a big problem…It is too early to say something.” This comes after Egypt’s second consecutive 2-2 draw in the tournament.
Acknowledging Salah as one of the world’s best players, Vitoria emphasized the desire to have him on the team consistently. Salah’s previous penalty had rescued Egypt from a potential loss to Mozambique in their opening match.
Despite Salah’s absence, Ghana took the lead after the injury, with Mohammed Kudus scoring a long-range shot in first-half stoppage time. Omar Marmoush leveled the score, but Kudus struck again before Mostafa Mohamed secured a point for Egypt.
Vitoria highlighted the team’s resilience, stating, “The players were upset after conceding at the end of the first half…but it’s football, we changed the mindset in the second half, we went for the game with positive energy.”
Regarding Salah’s injury, Vitoria remained optimistic about Egypt’s chances in the tournament, emphasizing that the team, regardless of Salah’s condition, has the capability to pursue their eighth AFCON title.
“Nobody wins the title without coming through difficult games…today we showed, mainly in the second half, the courage and quality of this team,” concluded Vitoria.
