Egypt forward Mohammed Salah has played down suggestions that the Pharaohs are favourites to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), insisting the team is focused solely on fighting for national pride. Salah made the remarks in an interview with CAF Online as Egypt prepare for a blockbuster quarter-final clash against defending champions Ivory Coast on Saturday. The Liverpool star, who has scored three goals at the tournament so far, acknowledged Egypt’s progress to the last eight but stressed that expectations should be tempered due to the composition of the squad. “I don’t think we are favourites,” Salah said. “We have young players, most of them playing back home in Egypt.” READ ALSO: Salah Penalty Sends Egypt into AFCON 2025 Knockout Stage According to the 31-year-old, the team’s priority is commitment and collective effort rather than title predictions. “We are just fighting for our country, then we see where we can go. Everyone here just wants to give their best,” he added. Egypt, seven-time AFCON champions, have relied on a blend of experience and youthful energy in Morocco, with Salah providing leadership and attacking inspiration as the Pharaohs navigate a demanding tournament. Their quarter-final encounter with Ivory Coast is expected to be one of the highlights of the competition, pitting Africa’s most successful national team against the reigning champions in a high-stakes battle for a place in the semi-finals. With both sides boasting quality and pedigree, Saturday’s clash promises to be a defining moment in the race for the AFCON 2025 crown.
AFCON 2025: Pharaohs of Egypt not favourites-Salah
