Salah looms large as AFCON Group B rivals Bafana Bafana brace for Pharaohs’ challenge

With whispers of Mohamed Salah’s potential exit from Liverpool swirling, there is a palpable sense of trepidation among Egypt’s AFCON Group B opponents — South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe.

They must brace themselves for the full force of Salah, who will be keen to deliver stellar performances on the continental stage, boosting his market value ahead of the January transfer window.

The star forward headed to Morocco on Monday, after assisting in a crucial second goal during Liverpool’s 2-0 victory against Brighton over the weekend. It was his third consecutive game as a substitute.

Salah, a pivotal figure for Egypt, will captain the national team as they embark on their quest for an unprecedented eighth African title. The Pharaohs kick off their campaign on Monday, December 22, with all three group matches scheduled within a single week, intensifying the stakes.

In the lead-up to the tournament, Salah’s recent performances have painted a picture of uncertainty. While his contributions remain significant, ongoing speculation regarding his role at Liverpool could serve as a motivating factor for him to excel in Morocco. He will be keen to reaffirm his status as one of Africa’s premier footballers.

Should Egypt falter in the group stage, Salah may return in time for Liverpool’s New Year’s Day clash with Leeds United. However, if the Pharaohs advance to the knockout rounds, it could complicate matters for Liverpool, with a potential quarter-final clash falling just two days before their high-profile fixture against Arsenal on January 8.

Angola is set to land in Morocco on Tuesday, with captain Fredy exuding optimism and confidence within the squad. The team, a mix of seasoned foreign-based players and emerging talent, aims to rebound after missing out on qualification for the 2026 Fifa World Cup.

The recent appointment of Frenchman Patrice Beaumelle as Angola’s head coach in late September has further boosted morale. The Angolan FA engaged Beaumelle as part of a strategic overhaul to revitalise the team’s fortunes.

Known for his tactical acumen and previous successes, his appointment signals a new chapter, bringing both pressure and excitement as players adapt to his vision, tactics and rigorous training regime.

Zimbabwe’s AFCON preparations, however, are in disarray. The spotlight is firmly on the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) following the controversial omission of vice-captain Marshall Munetsi.

Critics have voiced concerns that the handling of Munetsi’s fitness has been not only suspicious but also fundamentally unfair to a player renowned for his dedication and leadership — qualities that have come to epitomise the Warriors.

Munetsi, who consistently demonstrates leadership on and off the pitch, has become the centre of a firestorm, with supporters and analysts questioning Zifa’s decision-making.