WATCH: ‘Injured’ Mohamed Salah WILDLY celebrates Egypt’s AFCON knockout stage qualification from the stands

Salah was on cloud nine after Egypt qualified for the AFCON Ro16 in his absence.

WATCH: ‘Injured’ Mohamed Salah WILDLY celebrates Egypt’s AFCON knockout stage qualification from the stands

Mohamed Salah celebrating Egypt's qualification. (Via X/@SamueILFC)

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah was hit with heartbreaking news when the Egyptian FA announced that he had picked up a ‘serious’ injury. With just two points from their first two games, their chances of qualification were narrow. However, a draw on their third and final game was enough to secure qualification. An overjoyed Mohamed Salah was seen passionately celebrating his side earning qualification to the AFCON Round of 16.

Videos of an injured Salah trying to guide and motivate his teammates from the touchline against Ghana had gone viral on social media. The Liverpool winger was in the stands for Egypt’s final group stage game against group leaders Cape Verde. Egypt were looking at group-stage elimination when Cape Verde took the lead on the stroke of half-time.

YouTube video

However, Egypt equalized in the second half and then took the lead in 90+3′. Cape Verde equalized yet again, but a draw was enough to ensure qualification. A camera aimed at Mohamed Salah in the stands captured the Egyptian captain celebrating with pure joy and relief.

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He was also picked up by teammates and staff members who were in celebration. Many fans were enamored by the captain’s passion and spirit for the team.

Egypt announce Salah’s potential return while the team doctor receives criticism

Mohamed Salah picked up a ‘back’ injury against Ghana in the second group stage game during AFCON. Subsequently, the team announced that Salah will travel to Liverpool for treatment and will only be available in the later stages of the competition, given they qualify. However, the skipper was seen in the stands for the game against Cape Verde, making fans raise questions as to the medical team’s responsibilities.

Mohamed Salah may be out for longer than expected, as per reports. (Via X/@TransgerSector & LFC__vision)

The player’s agent, Ramy Abbas said that his injury was more ‘serious’ than what was first thought. 

He will be out for 21-28 days by undergoing intensive rehab in the UK and rejoining the team as soon as he is fit.

Egypt’s most capped player, Ahmed Hassan said that Salah should stay with the National team no matter what.

The captain ended up doing just that, by ‘disregarding’ the team doctor’s directives. The doctor said, 

Salah didn't want to travel or leave the team. I won't let someone tell me how to do my job. We discussed the same with Liverpool, but now Jurgen said himself that Salah doesn't want to leave.

It is unclear whether the Egyptian #10 will leave the camp now that Egypt have qualified for the knockout stages. Their Round of 16 match falls on the 29th of January.

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