Mohamed Salah: Leading Egypt to the Biggest Stage

Cairo-based journalist Abdel-Rahman Hussein looks back at a remarkable season for the Egyptian national hero and Liverpool star, and explains how events have made Salah the focus for an expectant nation heading to its first World Cup for 28 years.

June 2018

It is the fourth minute of added time. The 90,000 supporters in the stadium hold their collective breath, as does an entire nation. The pressure is unbearable. Up steps Mohamed Salah, Egypt’s best player, who is midway through a breakthrough season with his new club Liverpool. He has already scored once in this game, a decisive World Cup qualifier against Congo, only to see the score levelled in the 87th minute.

When Congo equalise, Salah falls to the ground upfield, face-first on the grass. He gets up and after a few steps he bellows a scream of utter anguish, his hands covering his face. Despondently he attempts to rally the crowd before another scream seemingly convulses his entire body.

Congo continue to repel wave after wave of attack. Full-time comes and goes. Then, six minutes after that Congo goal, a hopeful ball is punted into the opposition area. Two bodies fall to the ground, and a penalty is given. The Egyptian players and staff are already celebrating before it is taken. Salah picks up the ball, stares at it intently and brings it to his forehead before placing it on the penalty spot. The referee whistles and Salah looks away before his run-up, then swiftly turns his head, coolly jogs up and slots it in the left corner. It is pandemonium. Throughout Egypt people take to the streets for a night of wild celebration. For that kick has sent the national team to a World Cup for the first time in 28 years.