CAPE TOWN: Mohamed Salah reminded the world of his brilliance on Wednesday, scoring twice to guide Egypt to qualification for next year’s World Cup in North America. The 33-year-old Liverpool forward produced two moments of class in a 3-0 victory over Djibouti, ensuring the Pharaohs topped their group and sealed a place at the finals.
Salah’s first goal came from a deft toe-poke past the onrushing goalkeeper, before he added a stunning volleyed lob to complete the win. The result was never in doubt against the minnows, but the performance reinforced Salah’s enduring importance to Egypt’s ambitions.
Despite his glittering club career, Salah’s international journey has been marked by heartbreak. Egypt have not lifted a major trophy since 2010, a year before his debut. He has twice finished a runner-up at the Africa Cup of Nations — in 2017 and 2022 — and endured early exits in 2019 and 2024.
With another AFCON looming in Morocco later this year, and a second World Cup appearance on the horizon, Salah knows this could be his final shot at silverware with his country. For Egypt, qualification brings renewed hope — and for Salah, a chance to finally crown his international legacy.
