Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah forced off injured for Egypt at AFCON

Mohamed Salah was substituted on Thursday with a suspected hamstring injury during the first half of Egypt's Africa Cup of Nations match with Ghana at the Stade Félix Houphouet Boigny in Abidjan.

The Liverpool striker stopped while attempting to run in the 45th minute and sat forlornly on the turf waiting to be treated, before being substituted.

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Encouragingly for Pharaohs and Reds fans, the 31-year-old captain was able to leave the field unassisted – albeit with some discomfort – with the striker appearing to gesture towards his left hamstring as he received a treatment.

Egypt coach Rui Vitória said after the teams' 2-2 draw that the extent of the injury was unclear.

“I hope it's not a big deal, but right now I don't know, because it's [too] early to see something,” Vitória said.

“I think it's not dangerous, but let's see. Let's see if Salah recovers.”

Salah himself did not stop to speak to reporters in the mixed zone after the match, although he was smiling and seemed able to walk without difficulty.

Moments after Salah's substitution, West Ham United's Mohammed Kudus – himself returning from injury – opened the scoring for Ghana with a magnificent left-footed effort from outside the box after digging himself a little space.

Kudus scored again in the second half, but Egypt came from behind twice with goals from Omar Marmoush and Mostafa Mohamed to earn a point.

Salah endured a frustrating first half for the North African heavyweights as he was well headed by Gideon Mensah and his calls for a penalty were turned down after he was blocked in the opposition box.

He salvaged a point for Egypt in their opening match against Mozambique, converting a penalty in the 97th minute as the Pharaohs struggled to secure a 2–2 draw in their first match of the tournament.

Egypt, the most successful team in Nations Cup history, has won the tournament seven times, although Salah has been on the losing side in the final twice – in 2017 and 2022.

Ghana, who opened their tournament with a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Cape Verde, will face Mozambique in their final Group B match on Monday, while Egypt conclude their first round against Cape Verde in Abidjan .

Associated Press reporting contributed to this report.