Mohamed Salah won’t be returning to Liverpool as AFCON champion after Egypt lose to Senegal.
After a month of high-intensity action in Morocco, Salah has been stopped in the semi-final.
He will now return to Anfield — well, after the third-place play-off on Saturday.
To make matters worse, the manner in which he has lost was painted as the worst-case scenario all week.
Sadio Mane is the match-winner for Senegal against Mo Salah’s Egypt
In the build-up to this AFCON semi-final, it was framed as a Salah vs Mane grudge match.
Before the game, the two embraced — a lovely sight for Liverpool fans. Unfortunately for the Egyptian, it was less heartwarming when the final whistle blew.
That’s because his old teammate was the one to clinch it for Senegal. Mane’s 78th-minute strike from outside the box was the difference between the sides.
The final chapter in a famous, yet tumultuous friendship has been written, and it favours Mane.
Liverpool fans will be sad to see their star heartbroken, but will support the Senegal star as he enters the final looking for a second AFCON title.
PROVE ME WRONG: FSG need to get rid of Slot and do EVERYTHING they can to keep Salah!
Salah’s Liverpool future after AFCON exit
Now that the tournament is behind Salah, he returns to Anfield after plenty of time for reflection for both him and the club.
Liverpool hope Salah stays in January, and you have to imagine he will.
He will have to be replaced eventually, but his brilliant form at the tournament shows he still has so much to offer.
Who would be the best Mohamed Salah replacement? 🤔
A mid-season departure would be a sad end to a legendary career. There’s still time for him to get back to his brilliant best as Liverpool eye FA Cup and Champions League glory.
The sun may have set on Salah’s AFCON campaign, but hopefully not on his time at Liverpool.
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