Liverpool’s star winger, Mohamed Salah, had a limited role in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scoring just one goal before a hamstring injury ended his tournament during a match against Ghana.
After returning to the UK for intensive rehabilitation, Salah made a successful comeback for Liverpool in a 4-1 win against Brentford, contributing a goal and an assist for Alexis MacAllister.
Although he missed the midweek game against Luton Town, Salah is expected to be fit for the upcoming Carabao Cup final against Chelsea.
Despite his success at Liverpool, including winning the Premier League, Carabao Cup, FA Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FA Community Shield, Salah has not won the AFCON, joining the ranks of African legends like Didier Drogba, Kanu Nwankwo, and Emmanuel Adebayor.
Wale Agbede, the Head of Sports at Plus TV, emphasizes that these players’ legacies are defined by their greatness at both club and country levels, irrespective of missing out on AFCON victories.
Agbede points out that factors such as the quality of teams, teammates, and luck contribute to success in cup competitions. He notes that Salah, playing for Egypt, may not have been in the best era of Egyptian football.
In the case of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, who played his first full AFCON tournament this year, Agbede suggests that his potential greatness in missing out on an AFCON victory could depend on his success at the club level.
Despite Napoli’s decline, Osimhen’s individual achievements include scoring 26 goals in 32 league appearances to secure the Serie A title last season.
Agbede believes that Osimhen’s future success with the national team depends on various factors, including the team’s growth and the luck of favorable draws in subsequent competitions.