Mohamed Salah misses penalty as Egypt finish fourth at AFCON

Goal reports Mohamed Salah missed his shootout penalty as Egypt lost the Africa Cup of Nations third-place play-off to Nigeria, the match finishing 0-0 before the Super Eagles won 4-2 on penalties on Saturday. Both Salah and Manchester City's Omar Marmoush had their spot kicks saved by Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, with Nigeria converting the final spot-kick to secure the win that left Egypt in fourth place — their worst finish since 1984.

Salah had scored four goals in five games earlier in the tournament, but his final act was to see his penalty comfortably saved. Salah faces an uncertain return to Liverpool after a season of disappointment and criticism, including a public falling out with Reds boss Arne Slot. The club went 11 games unbeaten in his absence and have drawn four consecutive league matches, including being held at Anfield by Burnley; reports note Salah accused Slot of "throwing him under the bus" during the dispute.

Slot said Salah needed to play one more big game for Egypt before returning to Liverpool, and it remains unclear whether he will go straight back into the starting XI. Injuries at the club, including to Alexander Isak, could accelerate his reintegration; Salah had four goals and three assists in 14 Premier League appearances before leaving for AFCON, and there is ongoing speculation over his long-term future with his contract due to expire in summer 2027 and links to the Saudi Pro League.

Key Topics

Sports, Mohamed Salah, Afcon, Stanley Nwabali, Omar Marmoush, Liverpool