Egypt captain leaves for Morocco amid tension at Anfield and standout African performances across Europe.

Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah departs for Morocco this week to captain Egypt at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with speculation continuing to swirl around his future at Liverpool. The 33-year-old made an immediate impact off the bench in Liverpool’s 2–0 Premier League win over Brighton, providing an assist for Hugo Ekitike. Despite manager Arne Slot insisting there is “no issue to resolve,” doubts remain following Salah’s recent public frustration and reduced role in key matches.

Salah had been benched for three consecutive games, including Liverpool’s Champions League win over Inter Milan, before hinting he had been “thrown under the bus.” The outburst has fuelled talk of a possible January transfer, adding extra intrigue as the Egyptian talisman heads to AFCON with his club future unclear.

Elsewhere in England, Calvin Bassey celebrated his AFCON call-up in style by scoring in Fulham’s 3–2 win at Burnley, their first victory at Turf Moor since 1951. In the same league, Ibrahim Sangaré capped Nottingham Forest’s 3–0 win over Tottenham with a superb strike, boosting their relegation survival hopes.

Across Europe, African stars also shone. In Spain, Nigerian duo Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke both scored as Sevilla thrashed Real Oviedo 4–0. In Germany, Mohamed Amoura continued his fine form for Wolfsburg, while Ramy Bensebaini rescued a point for Borussia Dortmund. In France, Himad Abdelli and Harouna Djibirin were on target as Angers crushed Nantes 4–1. With AFCON just days away, Africa’s stars are hitting form — and Salah’s situation remains one of the tournament’s biggest talking points.