Mo Salah & Egypt AFCON 2025: Loss to Nigeria & No Third Place

KOMPAS.com – Egypt had to swallow disappointment after failing to reach third place in the 2025 African Cup of Nations after losing to Nigeria on penalties.

The match which was held at the Mohammed V Stadium, Saturday (17/1/2026) evening WIB, was the match to determine third place between two strong teams from the African continent.

Mohamed Salah led the Egyptian team in this match, but unfortunately the Pharaoh Team was unable to take advantage of a number of important opportunities, including from the penalty spot, so they had to admit the superiority of the Nigerian Super Eagles.

Playing a goalless draw until normal time ended, Egypt and Nigeria had to finish the match through a penalty shootout.

In the high-five round, Egypt experienced bad luck because two of its four main executioners, Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, failed to carry out their duties.

Also read: Schedule for Mohamed Salah’s return, Arne Slot is happy

Meanwhile, only one kicker failed to execute a penalty in Nigeria, namely Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.

This result ensured that Nigeria won 4-2 and was entitled to third place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, while also allowing Egypt to close the tournament without a trophy.

The Course of the Match

The match was hot from the first minute. The first opportunity actually came from Nigeria in the 14th minute through Akor Adams’ close range shot.

Egypt also responded with Mohamed Salah in the 27th minute, but did not score a goal.

Nigeria broke the deadlock through Adams’ header in the 36th minute, but the goal was disallowed after VAR judged Paul Onuachu to have committed a foul on Hamdi Fathy.

The score remained 0-0 until half-time.

Also read: Arne Slot admits Salah’s important role ahead of his return to Liverpool from the Africa Cup of Nations

In the second half, both teams’ play remained fast and aggressive.

Nigeria brought on Ademola Lookman to increase their attack power, creating opportunities through shots from Raphael Onyedika and Moses Simon in the 50th minute.

Egypt, led by Mohamed Salah, remained under pressure and could not penetrate the opponent’s defense until the match was over.

Egypt’s Misfortune in the Penalty Round

The penalty shootout is a crucial moment. Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush failed to fulfill their duties as executioners.