Egypt, the record seven-time winners, suffered a severe setback on Friday when captain Mohamed Salah was ruled out of two Africa Cup of Nations games with a hamstring injury, while holders Senegal and Cape Verde advanced to the last 16. The Egyptian Football Association announced in a statement that Liverpool star Salah would be unable to return for his country until they advanced to the tournament’s quarterfinals. The 31-year-old was substituted late in the first half of the Pharaohs’ 2-2 draw against Ghana on Thursday.
He will consequently sit out Monday’s last group game against Cape Verde, as well as any subsequent last-16 tie.
After drawing their first two games, Egypt needs to beat Cape Verde to be sure of advancing in second place in Group B.
This would set up a last-16 tie in San Pedro on January 28, and they might also qualify as one of the best third-place teams.
Salah will therefore only play again in the competition if Egypt advances to the quarterfinals on February 2 or 3.
Senegal, who beat Salah’s Egypt on penalties in the 2014 AFCON final, advanced to the next round with one group game remaining after defeating Cameroon 3-1 in Yamoussoukro.
Marseille’s Ismaila Sarr gave the reigning champions an early lead before setting up Habib Diallo to make it 2-0.
Jean-Charles Castelletto pulled one back, but Senegal would not be denied a commanding victory, and star Sadio Mane sealed the deal late on.
Senegal has a maximum six points after two Group C games, while Cameroon has only one and their chances of advancing to the final 16 are on the line.
“I remember that in 2017 we lost to Cameroon in the quarter-finals, so during this match we did everything to win,” Sarr, who plays for Marseille, stated.
Bebe stunner
Guinea defeated Gambia 1-0 in Group C at the same site, despite missing renowned striker Serhou Guirassy. Aguibou Camara scored in the second half.
Guinea is now second in the division with four points, meaning they only need a draw against Senegal in their next encounter to qualify for the last 16, while a win would see them advance as group champions.
Cameroon and Gambia will clash next, with both hoping to advance as one of the four best third-place teams.
Earlier, Cape Verde became the first team to reach the round of 16, defeating Mozambique 3-0 in Abidjan.
Bebe, a former Manchester United forward, started the Atlantic Ocean island country on its way with a spectacular first-half free kick from 40 metres at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium.
Captain Ryan Mendes increased their lead shortly after halftime and Kevin Pina wrapped up the win with a stunning strike midway through the second half.
Cape Verde’s biggest ever AFCON victory puts them on six points from two games, ensuring they will top Group B after defeating Ghana 2-1 in their first encounter.
“I’m not sure how far we can go.” Now that we’ve reached the final 16, all we have to do is keep working as hard as we have.
“We know it won’t be easy but we believe in ourselves and in our work.”
Cape Verde has already confirmed that they would stay in Abidjan for a last-16 tie against a third-placed club on January 29.
Mozambique, in their fifth Cup of Nations appearance, had yet to win a match in 14 previous tournaments.
Tanzania sack coach
Meanwhile, Tanzania’s coach Adel Amrouche was fired after being suspended for eight matches and fined $10,000 for comments concerning Morocco, according to a Confederation of African Football (CAF) official.
His dismissal was verified by the Tanzanian Football Federation, and Hemed Suleiman was promoted from assistant coach to interim manager for the remainder of the AFCON campaign.
The Group F outsiders lost 3-0 to Morocco on Wednesday and still face Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Before Amrouche was fired, a CAF official stated that “(the organisation) has suspended the coach for eight matches following comments he made about Moroccan officials in a TV interview.”
Algerian-born Amrouche accused Moroccan officials within the CAF determine who referees matches involving the senior men’s national team, and at what time they kick off.
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