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Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has called on Mohamed Salah to step up and deliver strong performances for Egypt at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Salah began Egypt’s campaign on a positive note, providing the assist for Emam Ashour’s opening goal in the Pharaohs’ 1-1 draw against Belgium.
Speaking on SuperSport, as monitored by allnigeriasoccer.com, ahead of the encounter, Akpeyi reflected on Egypt’s disappointing outing at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, where the North Africans failed to secure a single victory in the group stage. Nigerian football forum
“For the Egyptian team, It is quite unfortunate that the last World Cup they played in 2018, they didn’t win any games in that group,” Akpeyi said.
The former Kaizer Chiefs star believes the current tournament presents Salah with a unique opportunity to cement his status as one of Egypt’s greatest footballers.
“Mo Salah this is one of the tournaments he would want to drop everything and leave your name on gold before you leave the national team because this could actually be his last national team engagement,” he added.
Akpeyi also acknowledged the challenges the Liverpool forward has faced in recent years, but insisted that the World Cup offers the perfect platform for the Egyptian star to make a defining statement.
“Unfortunately, he has been having a series of injuries and issues with Liverpool. But as a soccer player, you want to say, this is a time for me to give everything, leave and bow with gold on my hand.”
Salah played a crucial role in Egypt’s opener, setting up Ashour, who fired a low strike into the bottom corner from outside the box to hand the Pharaohs the lead.
However, Egypt were unable to hold on for all three points as Mohamed Hany inadvertently turned the ball into his own net in the 66th minute, allowing Belgium to salvage a draw.
