AFCON: Mohamed Salah’s Injury Concern For Egypt

• As Pharaohs, Black Stars end it 2-2 in Group B

BY VICTOR OSOWOCHI – Still struggling to find their rhythm in the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire, the Pharaohs of Egypt are currently in distress as their talisman Mohamed Salah was forced off with a suspected hamstring injury in their Match Day two group clash against Black Stars of Ghana.

In what could also be a huge blow for Liverpool’s title challenge in the English Premiership, the Egyptian star player got injured in the first half of the high-tension encounter that had both sides playing out a 2-2 draw.

Going down off of the ball late in the first half, Salah walked off the field and was quickly replaced by Mostafa Fathi. However, it has not yet been confirmed the status of his injury with unconfirmed reports suggesting it could be a hamstring problem.

Just minutes after Salah’s injury blow, it was double jeopardy for the Pharaohs as Mohammed Kudus fired the Black Statrs ahead with an excellent shot from the edge of the box. Still agonising over their unexpected draw against minnows Mozambique in the tournament’s opening game, the record seven-time AFCON winners’ hopes of progressing in the tournament may have suffered a setback for now.

In sharing the spoils in their impressive 2-2 draw on Thursday, Ghana’s Mohammed Kudus was the star of the show with a brace on the night. However, the Black Stars were unable to hold onto their lead, leaving them with just one point from their two games so far, even as the Egyptians were deprived of the three points again.

Already, there are fears in the Egyptians’ camp about the possible severity of Salah’s injury that could ultimately rule him out for the rest of the competition. If this happens, the forward will likely head back to Liverpool to begin his recovery. But for now, the Pharaohs are seriously hoping to have him back fit for their final Group B game against Cape Verde.

Reports emerging from their camp hinted that the 31-year-old striker will have his injury checked before the team takes a final decision on the possibility of his playing any role in the match against Cape Verde.

No doubt, the prolific forward’s fitness will be of serious concern to both the national team and his club side, Liverpool – With Goal.com report