Why Mo Salah’s fallout at Liverpool is bad news for Bafana Bafana
Mo Salah’s potential departure from Liverpool could impact Bafana Bafana’s chances at the Africa Cup of Nations, where they face Egypt led by Salah in a challenging Group B. Picture: Paul Ellis/AFP
Image: Paul Ellis/AFP
As a Liverpool supporter, it’s sad to see that Mo Salah appears to be on his way out of the club as it continues to endure a terrible season. What’s worse, though, from a South African perspective, is that Salah’s frustration at being benched by Liverpool coach Arne Slot could be taken out on Bafana Bafana at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).
In fact, some reports suggest that Salah may have already played his last game for Liverpool as he heads to his national team for the African showpiece event.
At 33, Salah still has much to offer in the game, while it’s difficult to argue he is on the wrong side of his peak of his footballing powers. A top performance at Afcon, therefore, would go a long way in showing he would still be an excellent addition to some of the top sides in the world.
Bafana open their Afcon campaign in Morocco against Angola on December 22, and on Boxing Day, they will take on the mighty Egypt led by Salah.
Bafana Bafana’s Afcon Journey: Facing Egypt in Group B
Zimbabwe are the fourth team in Group B. Bafana are currently riding the crest of a wave, after qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time since the 2002 edition.
Led by Hugo Broos, they will want to build on their third place in the 2023 Afcon tournament. They will have their work cut out for them, though, when they take on the third-ranked side on the continent in Egypt.
Bafana are 11th on the continent, while Angola are 18th and Zimbabwe are 36th. Therefore, the clash against Egypt will no doubt be the toughest for Bafana.
* The views expressed are not necessarily the views of IOL or Independent Media.
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