Mohamed Salah’s hopes of returning to Egypt with Africa Cup of Nations glory ended after the Pharaohs stunned the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The seven-time champions were hoping to win the tournament for the first time since 2010 and Salah looked to lift the trophy but it remains missing from his CV. But he will be watching from England as he recovers from injury as Egypt lost 8-7 on penalties. The last 16 ended 1-1 after 120 minutes, Mechak Elia putting 67th-placed Democratic Republic of Congo on the brink of a comeback.
However, Mostafa Mohamed scored a penalty kick just before the end of the first half, and the match lasted only 9 minutes.It took a penalty kick to decide the game and DRC goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi converted the 18th penalty kick to advance the opposition into the quarters. Pharaohs goalkeeper Gabaski gave Mpasi a moment of glory in the ninth round when his effort hit the crossbar.
Egypt, who suffered a draw after three consecutive defeats in the group stage, were eliminated from this tournament. Salah, who has been sidelined with a joint problem, returned to Liverpool to recover from injury and had hoped to return to Africa to play in the final stages, but that cannot happen now.
His an Egypt’s disappointment could be a positive for the Reds, who could see him return sooner than expected. Salah and his country failed to reach the final in the last edition of the tournament but failed to achieve the feat this time.
