Liverpool star Mohamed Salah witnessed a thrilling conclusion to Egypt’s final Africa Cup of Nations group game on Monday evening, even though he was sidelined due to a hamstring injury sustained in the previous match against Ghana. Despite Salah’s absence, Egypt secured advancement to the knockout stages in a dramatic encounter against Cape Verde.

Salah, who was substituted in the midst of Egypt’s 2-2 draw with Ghana, is set to return to Liverpool for treatment. The winger’s injury, described as “more serious than first thought” by his agent Ramy Abbas, raises concerns about his availability later in the tournament.

Before departing for England, Salah watched from the sidelines as Egypt faced group leaders Cape Verde, who had previously won their opening two matches. The Pharaohs, sitting in second place in Group B after two consecutive 2-2 draws, remarkably completed a trilogy of 2-2 results against Cape Verde.

In stoppage time of the first half, Cape Verde took the lead with a goal from Gilson Tavares. Egypt responded, with Mahmoud Trezeguet leveling the score five minutes into the second half. Mostafa Mohamed’s goal in the 93rd minute appeared to secure the victory, prompting Salah’s ecstatic celebration on the sidelines. Teammates paid tribute to Salah by holding his No. 10 Egypt shirt aloft on the pitch.

However, Cape Verde managed to snatch a late equalizer as Bryan Teixeira struck, denying Egypt a definitive win. Despite the dramatic conclusion, Egypt secured second place in their group as Ghana was held to a 2-2 draw by Mozambique. Egypt finishes the group stage with three points from three games, while Ghana and Mozambique have two points each. The Black Stars still have a chance to qualify for the round of 16 as one of the four best third-place finishers.