As Mohamed Salah prepares for his fifth attempt at Africa Cup of Nations glory with Egypt in Morocco, the Liverpool superstar finds himself among an exclusive group of African football legends who never captured the continent’s most prestigious trophy. Despite his remarkable club success and individual accolades, the Nations Cup title remains the missing piece in Salah’s illustrious career.
The Egyptian captain has experienced repeated heartbreak in the tournament since his 2011 international debut. Egypt’s most successful nation with seven titles has endured a drought since 2010, with Salah suffering final defeats in 2017 (against Cameroon) and 2021 (against Senegal), where he was denied even taking a penalty in the shootout. His campaigns have been marred by unexpected eliminations and injuries, most notably in 2023 when he watched from the sidelines as DR Congo eliminated his team.
Salah joins a distinguished list of African greats who never lifted the trophy. Didier Drogba, despite his legendary status at Chelsea and nine goals in ten major finals for the Blues, twice captained Ivory Coast to final defeats in 2006 and 2012. His penalty misfires proved particularly costly, with missed opportunities in both championship matches.
George Weah, the only African Ballon d’Or winner (1995), could not translate his individual brilliance into team success with Liberia. The nation made only two tournament appearances during his career, failing to advance from the group stage on both occasions despite Weah’s leadership.
Nwankwo Kanu, the Nigerian maestro who won Champions League and UEFA Cup honors, experienced his Nations Cup nadir in the 2000 final against Cameroon. His missed penalty in the shootout denied Nigeria the title, and despite multiple semi-final appearances, the trophy remained beyond his reach.
Michael Essien, Ghana’s midfield dynamo who won numerous trophies with Chelsea, never progressed beyond the semi-finals with the Black Stars. Injuries hampered several of his campaigns, including the 2010 tournament where he missed Ghana’s final defeat to Egypt.
These stories highlight the unique challenge of international tournament football, where individual brilliance doesn’t always guarantee team success. As Salah mounts his latest attempt in Morocco, he carries not only Egypt’s hopes but also the legacy of these great players who never achieved Nations Cup glory.