As the Holy Bible calls on believers to remain steadfast through trials, Mohamed Salah’s long and emotional journey with the Egyptian national team reflects that same spirit of perseverance and faith.

Much like Lionel Messi’s path to World Cup glory with Argentina, Salah’s pursuit of the Africa Cup of Nations has been marked by near misses, crushing disappointment, and unyielding hope. Despite conquering club football at the highest level — winning the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup — the AFCON title remains the one major honour missing from his glittering career.

Now 33, Salah has come agonisingly close on two occasions. He featured in the AFCON finals of 2017 and 2022, only to taste defeat against Cameroon and Senegal respectively. The loss to Senegal was particularly painful, ending in a penalty shootout where Liverpool teammate Sadio Mané was seen consoling a heartbroken Salah.

In both tournaments, the Egyptian captain was instrumental — scoring crucial goals, creating opportunities, and leading the Pharaohs with passion and determination.

His AFCON journey has also included unexpected Round of 16 exits in 2019 and 2023, further deepening the emotional scars of an already testing quest.

Yet Salah remains undeterred. With just two matches standing between him and history, the Liverpool star has a golden opportunity to guide Egypt to a record-extending eighth AFCON crown.

Achieving that feat would elevate him beyond club greatness, sealing his status as one of Egypt’s greatest football legends.

The lingering question now is whether Mohamed Salah can finally lift Africa’s most coveted trophy and complete the final chapter of his remarkable career.