Mohamed Salah sent crashing out of AFCON - but Liverpool fans are over the moon

Posted Sunday, July 07, 2019 by Dailystar.co.uk

Mohamed Salah sent crashing out of AFCON - but Liverpool fans are over the moon (Pic: GETTY)

MOHAMED SALAH and Egypt were sent crashing out of the African Cup of Nations after a shock defeat to South Africa and Liverpool fans love it.

Egypt went into the tournament as favourites, going in as hosts and with the prowess of Salah on their side.

And they breezed through their group after three wins out of three and not a single goal conceded - but they came under criticism.

Many believe that this side is nowhere near the quality of previous squads that won three successive tournaments between 2006 and 2010.

But no-one expected them to crash out so early in the competition - especially to South Africa.

They only qualified from their group for being the best ranked third-placed side.

However, their group stage campaign was hugely unimpressive - winning just once in a narrow 1-0 victory over Namibia.

But they are through to the last eight where they will meet Nigeria.

For Salah, it is heartbreak but for Liverpool fans they are simply happy to see their favourite player return unscathed.

Mohamed Salah sent crashing out of AFCON - but Liverpool fans are over the moon
Mohamed Salah was left in tears after Egypt crashed out of the AFCON (Pic: GETTY)

One fan said: “I'm sorry for Egypt but I'm so pleased we get mo back sooner.”

Another said: “Good, he needs the rest and it's a useless tournament!”

And this fan said: “Wanted Salah, Keita and Mane to go back to Melwood. 1 down 2 to go..”

While this supporter quipped: "Wonder if Salah will get a 3 week holiday like Alisson and Bobby are supposedly getting.

"He’s looked tired all tournament, need him fully rested and ready for the start of the season."

Another was particularly hopeful it could spark a transfer spree, tweeting: "Great, now Salah can play against Norwich, Firmino and Allison can win Coppa America tomorrow and also start on opening day, Ivory Coast can get knocked out so we sign Pepe, and Mane can miss opening 2 or 3 games but win AFCON. Too much to ask?"

In a game bereft of quality, Salah failed to shine as Bafana Bafana took a late lead thanks to Thembinkosi Lorch, whose goal turned out to be the difference.

The Egypt fans, known for their stunning support, were shocked into silence at the Cairo International Stadium.

Sadio Mane and Naby Keita make up the rest of the African contingent left in the tournament that ply their trade for Liverpool.