Egypt's Salah ruled out of two AFCON games
Record seven-time champions Egypt were dealt a major blow on Friday as captain Mohamed Salah was ruled out of two Africa Cup of Nations games with a hamstring injury, while holders Senegal and Cape Verde qualified for the last 16. The Egyptian Football Association confirmed in a statement that Liverpool star Salah would not be able to return for his country unless they reach the quarter-finals at the tournament. The 31-year-old came off late in the first half of the Pharaohs' 2-2 draw with Ghana on Thursday. He will therefore sit out Monday's final group game against Cape Verde and any last-16 tie that would follow that. After drawing their opening two games, Egypt need to beat Cape Verde to be guaranteed of advancing in second place in Group B. That would tee up a last-16 tie in San-Pedro on January 28, while they could also potentially qualify as one of the best third-placed teams. Salah will therefore only feature again at the competition if Egypt make it to a quarter-final on February 2 or 3. Senegal, who beat Salah's Egypt on penalties in the final of the last AFCON, clinched a spot in the next round with one group game to spare thanks to a 3-1 win over Cameroon in Yamoussoukro. Ismaila Sarr of Marseille put the reigning champions ahead early on and later set up Habib Diallo to make it 2-0. Jean-Charles Castelletto pulled one back, but Senegal were not to be denied a convincing victory and talisman Sadio Mane put the outcome beyond doubt late on. Senegal have a maximum six points after two Group C matches, while Cameroon have only one and their hopes of advancing to the last 16 are in the balance. (AFP)