Mo Salah's Egypt future with Liverpool star running out of time ahead of AFCON change

Mohamed Salah will return to Liverpool still lacking the Afcon title he so craves as Egypt were knockout in the semi-finals - but more opportunities will still present themselves

Mo Salah has endured more AFCON heartbreak after Egypt were dumped out in the semi-finals by Senegal on Wednesday night with Sadio Mane gaining more bragging rights over his ex-Liverpool team-mate - but hope is not lost yet.

It does mean the glaring blank on Salah's CV remains exactly that. Blank. The forward's club exploits aren't up for debate, beyond his personal and individual accolades, he has won every major club trophy on offer, including the Premier League twice and the Champions League, since moving to Anfield in 2017.

His desire to win with Egypt burns as bright as ever. And the frustrating thing for Salah will be the historical success achieved by The Pharaohs, which doesn't feature him at all.

Even though they will miss out again the Egyptians remain the most successful AFCON side of all-time. They've been victorious on seven occasions, and that included a hat-trick of wins between 2006 and 2010. Since then it has been barren.

Africa's continental tournament currently occurs far more regularly than the likes of the Euros. Tournaments are scheduled for 2027 and 2028 before they adopt a four-year cycle.

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It means that Salah, now 33, should get at least two more shots at continental glory. It is not uncommon for greats to finally realise international ambitions late in their career. Lionel Messi was 34 when he finally broke his duck with Argentina by winning the Copa America in 2021. He's since added the World Cup and another Copa America.

Salah will also hope that the likes of Manchester City's Omar Marmoush continue to develop, aiding him in his ultimate ambition to take Egypt back to the top of African football.

He said after helping his team beat Ivory Coast in the quarter-finals last week: "Nobody, even in Egypt, wants to win this trophy more than me. I have won almost every prize. This is the title I am waiting for."

The wait goes on, but is by no means beyond him. His Liverpool days could be numbered following his recent outburst at Leeds, casting doubt over his time at Anfield. Salah may well head to the Middle East. Just how that would condition him for Afcon remains to be seen.

Last term Salah claimed he was "more out, than in" regarding his Liverpool future before penning a new deal. Well with Egypt he's more end, than beginning and time is not on his side.

Former Morocco midfielder Hassan Kachloul, who had spells at both Southampton and Aston Villa in his career, warned Salah that this could haunt him.

"He will not stop until he gets his rewards. He will play again in two years," said the 52-year-old. "He will try to concentrate on the next tournament and win the title - or else it will be the one that gets away as there won't be many more chances."

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