Salah: I'm glad Egypt never defeated Nigeria
March 27, 2016 3:17 PM
The AS Roma star is comfortable not to have scored the winning goal against the Super Eagles, which could have triggered Kaduna fans’ rage
Mohammed Salah was satisfied with his Egypt's 1-1 draw against Nigeria in Friday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, insisting that a win against Samson Siasia’s men could have flickered the fury of the Kaduna fans.
Salah had equalised for the Pharaohs in the first minute of stoppage time and appeared to be staging a memorable victory in the dying seconds when he sprinted unimpeded into the Eagles’ half, before referee Janny Sikazwe called off the game.
The decision sparked anger from the Egyptians who rushed at the Zambian referee to question his call.
But the AS Roma forward said he was pleased with the arbiter’s call, claiming hell could have been let loose by the fans who jam-packed the Ahmadu Bello Stadium.
"I breathed a sigh of relief after the ref blew the final whistle," Salah told Al-Ahram Daily newspaper.
"I was afraid when I received the ball and was heading directly towards the goal to score what could have been the winner.
"Had I been able to score, I wouldn't have been able to tell what exactly the fans' response would be, that's why I thanked God right after the final whistle,” he concluded.
Nigeria face a stern test against Hector Cuper’s men on Tuesday at the Alexandria's Borg El-Arab Stadium with Group G winner securing a ticket to Gabon 2017 following the withdrawal of Chad on Sunday.
- OOlala 18 hours ago20In this fixture of such magnitude, anything can happen especially in Africa where rivalries are blood drawing, passionate and played with so much intensity, and not necessarily towards the Egyptian players though we know too well that one or two can get caught up in any ugly incident...i understand his sigh of relief, at least he is an honest lad. It's probable none of the comments are from those who have never had firsthand experience!Reply
- AAndrew 1 day ago75Imagine if an NFL player said they were glad they didn't score a touchdown before time ran out because they were afraid of the other team's fans...LOLExpand Replies (5) Reply
- Ccandy s 20 hours ago11cheat, Salah you are cheat. You did not observe the fair play rule. Cheat you are!Reply
- JJohn 1 day ago312Salah, nothing would have happened if you had scored the goal! Nigerian fans I understand may have got their faults, but physically fighting or beating up foreign visiting teams is not part of that, they might rather boo or get angry with their own players for failing them. As for the ref's ending the match with your intended move, nothing is wrong with that, provided the time was already up, it happens all the time including in the same countries you ply your professional career, a good ref would not give one side an unfair advantage when it's clear that the time is up already!!!Expand Replies (5) Reply
- WWeston 15 hours ago04I've had the privilege of traveling to various African nations and attend their soccer matches. I am glad to report to Salah that Nigerian soccer fans do not mistreat the opposing players or fans even when they (Nigeria) are on the losing side (even via robbery). We look upon the visiting players and their fans as our guests and they will leave the country the very way they came...in one piece.Reply
- GGeneral Zod 19 hours ago26Reply
- WWeston 15 hours ago01That being said, please don't harm our boys after they thrash your team in EgyptReply
