Mohamed Salah and Egypt Kickoff AFCON with a Win

Mohamed Salah is back in action, not sporting the number 11 in Liverpool Red, but rather number 10 in Egyptian Red.

As hosts of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Egypt got things underway with a 1-0 win over Zimbabwe. Despite forcing a couple of saves and being a predictable threat down the right flank, Mo did not add his name to the score sheet. Instead the game’s solitary and decisive goal came courtesy of a 41st minute strike by Mahmoud Trezeguet.

The win puts Egypt top of Group A, also consisting of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. It also puts Egypt in a strong position to advance. The top two spots of each of the 6 groups will advance automatically, as well as the top 4 third place teams to round out the final 16 in the knockout rounds. Their two remaining group matches take place on Wednesday and next Sunday.

In other Liverpool-related AFCON news, Naby Keita is likely to feature for Guinea in Group B, which starts their tournament tonight against Madagascar. Nigeria and Burundi round out the rest of Group B.

Sadio Mane will miss Senegal’s Group C opener against Tanzania tomorrow through suspension, but should feature against Algeria on Thursday. Senegal will finish action in Group C against Kenya, a week from Monday.