Egypt hunt for eighth Afcon crown with all eyes on superstar Mohamed Salah

As the curtain rises on the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Egypt are all set to kick off their quest for a record-extending eighth continental title against Zimbabwe in their Group B opener in Agadir on Monday.

Here are some of the main talking points surrounding the Pharaohs entering the competition.

A 15-year drought

No team has matched Egypt's record seven Afcon championships, including an unprecedented three-peat between 2006 and 2010.

But the Pharaohs have not triumphed in the competition since, and arrive in Morocco looking to end a 15-year Afcon drought.

After failing to qualify in three editions (2012, 2013, and 2015), losing two finals (2017 and 2021), and getting knocked out of the last-16 twice (2019 and 2023), Egypt are out to reestablish themselves as an African powerhouse, and carry the weight of expectations of 120 million fans back home.

Afcon fever has already taken over the Egyptian streets, with all television commercials carrying the same message: “We want the eighth star”.

One of the most replayed TV ads from a major telecom company released ahead of Morocco 2025 paints a satirical image of just how long it’s been since Egypt have won the Afcon.

Featuring a group of Egyptian football legends including Mido, Essam El Hadary, Mohamed Barakat, Wael Gomaa, Hossam Ghaly and Sayed Moawad, who have all been on Afcon-winning squads, the TV spot pokes fun at some of the events that have occurred since Egypt’s last continental success; be it Mido’s frequent weight fluctuations, El Hadary becoming a grandfather, or Sayed Moawad’s son Omar (Real Betis) becoming a U20 national team player himself.

Despite Egypt’s struggles and near misses in recent years, the national team players are feeling confident that their luck will turn in this year’s edition.

“This is my fifth participation in this competition. I reached two finals and I haven’t won it yet. But I feel like this time the spirit among the coaching staff and the squad is very high, we are all working as one unit and I’m hopeful this generation will make it happen,” said midfielder Mahmoud Hassan ‘Trezeguet’ on Sunday ahead of the Zimbabwe game.

“As coach Hossam Hassan said, you can’t end your career without winning a title with the national team. God willing, we will reap the rewards of all the effort we have put in over the past period.”

All eyes on Salah

If the pressure is high on Egypt to revive their African glory days, the majority of that pressure undoubtedly lies on the shoulders of Liverpool star Mohamed Salahrecently released.

Just like Lionel Messi spent years being criticised for not winning silverware with Argentina before he finally silenced his doubters and won the Copa America (twice) and the World Cup, Salah is constantly under scrutiny for not delivering a championship for Egypt.

The 33-year-old joins the national team at a turbulent time, as his future at Liverpool hangs in the balance.

The Afcon is a chance for him to shift the narrative away from his p