Football

Saudi Arabia keen on buying Salah

Egyptian superstar Mohammad Salah has been at the centre of intense speculation recently, and now Saudi Arabia has signalled it is prepared to do “whatever it can” to lure the unsettled Liverpool forward during the winter transfer window.

A source within the Public Investment Fund (PIF) told AFP on Tuesday that officials are closely monitoring Salah’s situation amid his standoff with Liverpool. “We follow Salah’s position thoroughly and believe there can be a move either on loan or through a permanent transfer,” the source said, requesting anonymity. “There are no direct negotiations with the club yet, but action will be taken at the right moment.”

According to the PIF source, Saudi authorities hope to secure the Egyptian winger in January, adding him to the growing list of global stars in the Saudi Pro League, including Cristiano Ronaldo. PIF owns a 75 per cent stake in Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ahli, and Al Ittihad, but interest in Salah reportedly extends beyond these clubs.

“There is competition within the Saudi league to bring in Salah,” the source said, revealing that Al Qadsiah — linked to state-owned energy giant Aramco — has also expressed strong interest. “It’s not only the PIF-affiliated clubs.”

Most prominent player

Ronaldo currently plays for Al Nassr, while Salah’s former Liverpool teammate Darwin Nunez is at Al Hilal. Former Premier League player of the season N’Golo Kante represents Al Ittihad. Still, Salah remains the most prominent Arab football star.

The Liverpool forward fuelled speculation after he was left unused in Sunday’s 3-3 draw with Leeds, later saying he felt he had been “thrown under the bus” by the club and no longer had a relationship with manager Arne Slot. The 33-year-old was also omitted from the squad for Tuesday’s Champions League match away to Inter Milan.

Salah has been pivotal to Liverpool’s success, helping secure two Premier League titles and a Champions League crown during his iconic tenure. He signed a contract extension in April after steering the club to another league title.

Set to join Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations after next weekend’s home match against Brighton, Salah has hinted that the fixture could be his final appearance for the Reds before a possible January exit.

Although he recorded 29 goals and 18 assists last season, Salah has struggled this campaign, scoring just four times in 13 Premier League games as the reigning champions sit 10th in the table.

“Every player faces ups and downs. Salah is only 33 and still has much to offer,” the PIF source said. “He is adored worldwide and would have a tremendous impact on the Saudi League, both on and off the pitch.”

Story by Gulf news

Football

Sadio Mane powers Senegal into final

Seven-time champions Egypt saw their Africa Cup of Nations campaign come to an end as Sadio Mane powered Senegal to a hard-fought win in their semi-final on Wednesday.

Al Nassr star Mane scored in the 78th minute of a tense clash in Tangiers.

Mohamed Salah has been in fine form this campaign netting four goals but could not stop Senegal from securing a spot in the final.

Senegal thus made it to their third Afcon final in the last four editions, while Salah’s dream of winning Afcon remained unfulfilled.

Senegal ⁠dominated most of the match with Egypt not having any shots at goal or even forcing a corner before they conceded.

Senegal found it tough to break down a resolute Egypt defence. They got the winner thanks to a lucky deflection ‍that set up Mane’s chance.

The first-half was a game of attrition with the only real chance coming in the 19th minute when Nicolas Jackson fired a shot from the edge of the box but his effort sailed over the crossbar.

Senegal suffered a setback when captain Kalidou Koulibaly suffered a groin injury midway through the first half but not before he had been booked for a foul on Omar Marmoush, which ruled him out of the final.

Senegal dominated possession and the Pharaohs eventually bucked under pressure.

In the 78th minute, Lamine Camara’s effort from the edge of the area was blocked but it fell to Mane nearby and he wasted no time striking just inside the post beyond Mohamed El Shenawy.

After Senegal scored, Egypt were pushed into action with three strikers ‍brought on in a late.

Substitute Ahmed Zizo’s shot in stoppage ⁠time, which ‌Edouard Mendy saved, was their only effort of substance.

Defeat ended Salah’s hopes of securing a ⁠first title with his national team. He had twice been a losing finalist at the Cup of Nations.

The national

Football

Egypt, Nigeria soar into AFCON Semis

It was a night of high drama and pure quality in Morocco as Egypt and Nigeria punched their tickets to the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals, leaving two heavyweights floored in their wake.

The Pharaohs showed exactly why they are the kings of the continent in a pulsating encounter at the Adrar Stadium. Facing off against a powerhouse Ivory Coast side, Egypt dug deep to edge a five-goal classic 3-2.

It was a proper end-to-end scrap that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. While the Elephants brought the physical power, Egypt’s clinical finishing and tactical discipline saw them through. The victory cements their status as serious contenders to lift the trophy once again.

Earlier, Nigeria struck at exactly the right moment. Against a resilient Algeria side, the Super Eagles showcased their power and efficiency to secure a 2–0 victory and book their place in the semi-finals of AFCON 2025.

WAM

Football

AFCON: Cote d’Ivoire, Algeria reach quarter-finals

Cote d’Ivoire and Algeria qualified tonight for the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) football tournament, currently being held in Morocco.

Cote d’Ivoire secured their place after defeating Burkina Faso 3-0 at Marrakech Stadium in the round of 16.

Algeria also advanced to the same stage after edging past the Democratic Republic of the Congo 1-0 at Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat. The match went into extra time after ending goalless at the end of regular time.

WAM