Mohamed Salah played a central role in Egypt’s progression during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) knockout stages, specifically during the penalty shootout victory against Ivory Coast in the Round of 16. While Salah’s influence was limited during the initial phases of the match, he successfully converted the decisive final penalty to secure a 5-4 shootout win after a 0-0 draw, propelling Egypt into the quarter-finals.
Egypt’s Path Through the 2021 AFCON Knockout Stage
The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, held in Cameroon in early 2022 due to pandemic-related delays, saw Egypt navigate a difficult path to the final. In the Round of 16 match against Ivory Coast on January 26, 2022, Egypt controlled long stretches of the game but struggled to break the deadlock.
According to match reports from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the game remained scoreless through 90 minutes and extra time. The stalemate forced a penalty shootout. Mohamed Salah, serving as captain, stepped up to take the fifth and final spot-kick, successfully beating goalkeeper Badra Ali Sangaré to seal the result.
Comparing Tournament Performances
Egypt’s reliance on Salah throughout the 2021 tournament was a frequent subject of analysis. While the team often centered its tactical setup around his ability to stretch defenses, the knockout rounds highlighted the collective defensive discipline of the squad under manager Carlos Queiroz.
| Match Stage | Opponent | Result | Key Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round of 16 | Ivory Coast | 0-0 (5-4 pens) | Salah scored the winning penalty. |
| Quarter-finals | Morocco | 2-1 (a.e.t.) | Salah scored the equalizer and assisted the winner. |
| Semi-finals | Cameroon | 0-0 (3-1 pens) | Egypt advanced after a shootout. |
| Final | Senegal | 0-0 (2-4 pens) | Egypt finished as runners-up. |
Why the Ivory Coast Victory Was Significant
The victory over Ivory Coast served as a turning point for Egypt’s campaign. Before this match, questions regarding the team’s offensive efficiency had surfaced following a group stage where they scored only two goals in three matches.
The successful shootout performance demonstrated the squad’s composure under pressure. By eliminating one of the tournament favorites, Egypt established momentum that carried them through a grueling quarter-final against Morocco, where Salah again proved instrumental by scoring in the 53rd minute and providing the assist for Trézéguet’s winning goal in extra time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Mohamed Salah score in the final of the 2021 AFCON?
No. The final against Senegal ended 0-0 after extra time. Senegal won the penalty shootout 4-2. Salah did not take a penalty in the shootout as he was slated to take the fifth kick, but the match was decided before he reached the spot.
How many goals did Mohamed Salah score in the 2021 tournament?
Mohamed Salah scored two goals during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. His first came in the group stage against Guinea-Bissau, and his second was the equalizer against Morocco in the quarter-finals.
What was Egypt’s final standing in the 2021 AFCON?
Egypt finished as the tournament runner-up, losing to Senegal in the final held on February 6, 2022, at the Olembe Stadium in Yaoundé.
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