The usually cool Salah was not entirely pleased
Mohamed Salah was involved in a heated exchange with the referee following Egypt’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final victory against Cameroon.
The Pharaohs reached their first AFCON final since 2010 on Thursday after beating the host nation 3-1 on penalties after 120 goalless minutes.
However, Egypt boss Carlos Queiroz was sent off late into the second-half after taking issue with referee Bakary Papa Gassama’s decisions too many times – meaning that he will now miss Sunday’s final against Senegal.
Queiroz – Manchester United’s former assistant manager – was booked halfway through the second period, before being dismissed after he angrily gestured for Nouhou Tolo’s dismissal following an altercation with Ramadan Sobhi.
The Pharaohs boss was not the only one to argue with the ref, with Liverpool forward Salah angrily confronting Gassama at the end of normal time. Despite his rant towards the Gambian official, he was repeatedly waved away.
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Several other Egypt coaches also attempted to speak to Gassama, albeit in a calmer manner, but, much like Salah, they were waved away as the referee prepared for the start of extra time.
Despite their frustration, it was the Salah and Egypt who secured their place in the AFCON final after defeating Cameroon on penalties at the Olembe Stadium.
Egypt goalkeeper Gabaski made two smart saves in the shootout to deny Harold Moukoudi and James Lea Siliki, before ex-Tottenham man Clinton N’Jie blazed his effort wide to seal the Pharaohs’ ninth AFCON final.
Salah will face-off against Liverpool teammate Sadio Mane in Yaounde, with Senegal looking for their first Africa Cup of Nations triumph and Egypt attempting to secure their eighth title.
Related links:
- Egypt manager Carlos Queiroz sent off during AFCON semi-final
- AFCON ref claims he ‘could have died from heatstroke’ during Tunisia vs Mali game
- Eric Bailly fails spectacularly with no-look penalty in AFCON shoot-out
