Egypt captain Mohamed Salah has openly admitted his team is not among the favourites to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, despite guiding them to the quarter-finals with a goal in a hard-fought 3-1 extra-time victory over Benin.
Speaking after the match, the Liverpool forward tempered expectations for the record seven-time champions, who are bidding for their first title since 2010. "I don't think we are a favourite at all (to win the title)," Salah told reporters.
He pointed to the squad's composition as a key factor, stating, "We have young players, and most of them play in Egypt. We just fight for our country... but everybody gives their best."
Salah, who scored his tenth AFCON goal to secure the win, emphasised the competitive nature of the tournament, dismissing the notion of easy games. "The level is quite similar; I told the team yesterday that no side loses by four or five goals. (Benin) have a good team and a good coach... I'm glad we managed to win in the end," he said.
With the victory, Egypt advances to a quarter-final clash in Agadir on Saturday, where they will face either defending champions Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso, continuing their quest to defy Salah's own assessment and reclaim continental glory.
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