Egyptian superstar, Mohamed Salah Ghaly says he would love to win the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, in Ivory Coast as the tournament beckons this month.
The talisman scored a brace in Liverpool's 4-2 win over Newcastle United on Monday night together with an assist as his penalty was also saved by Martin Dubravka on the 22nd minute of the game.
"My full attention is on winning the AFCON as I put a pause on club football," says Salah.
Speaking after the game, Salah says he changed the boots used to miss the first penalty, however, did not attributed it to superstition.
"I'm calm. I try to do my job. I always practice. The first I was confused because the goalkeeper was moving and he was waving and I thought 'OK let's go in the middle', but he managed to save it very well". The second one I did what I practice in training and did my thing".
"I missed the penalty at half time and I was like. Do you want to leave for national team with this performance? No really! So I had focus, step up and make the difference which I did. I want to win this AFCON, I would love to win it.
"But without me Liverpool can manage to win games, we have the quality, we have fantastic players. They just have to keep the pressure away and play football. We have players who can play in my position, they can do what I'm doing.
"It means a lot to play for the national team, it's a great feeling. Every time I step on the field in national shirt, it's a great feeling and it's something I don't take for granted. I'm just happy to play in the tournament and would love to win it".
The Pharoahs have been so unlucky losing in two finals of the last 3 editions.
In a group with Ghana, Cape Verde and Mozambique, Egypt should be good enough to secure a Round of 16 ticket and keep their dreams alive on winning the record 8th title in Ivory Coast this year.
Story by: Mohammed Awal Hudu (Kessben FM/TV)
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