Mohamed Salah has addressed fans after Egypt’s dramatic World Cup exit, promising supporters that the tournament marks a turning point for the national team despite the painful defeat.
“I know you’re still upset, but I promise you that I’ll do everything in my power to ensure this marks a fresh start for Egyptian football on the international stage,” Salah said in a post on X.
“Qualifying for the World Cup won’t be enough, and just participating won’t cut it either. This team deserves your trust,” he said in the post that comes after Egypt suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Argentina on Tuesday despite leading for most of the match.
Egypt made a dream start when Yasser Ibrahim headed home from Marwan Attia’s corner in the 15th minute. Argentina had an immediate chance to respond after Nicolas Tagliafico won a penalty, but goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir produced an outstanding save to deny Lionel Messi from the spot.
Shobeir continued to frustrate the defending champions, keeping out efforts from Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez. Messi also struck the crossbar with a free kick as Egypt held onto a 1-0 lead at halftime.
The Pharaohs thought they had doubled their advantage shortly after the restart through Ziko, but VAR ruled the goal out after determining that Marwan Attia had fouled Lisandro Martinez in the build-up. Egypt kept pushing and finally made it 2-0 in the 67th minute when Salah combined with Haissem Hassan to set up Ziko for a clinical finish.
Argentina responded quickly. Cristian Romero broke through with the first goal and Messi levelled the score four minutes later with a powerful strike that went in off the underside of the crossbar, brushing the goalkeeper’s gloves.
With extra time approaching, Enzo Fernandez completed the comeback in stoppage time, firing a low finish into the bottom corner after latching onto a loose ball at the edge of the box, moments after Salah’s own penalty appeal was waved away.
Argentina will face Switzerland in the quarter-final, after the Swiss beat Colombia 4-3 on penalties following a goalless draw.
