The winger has not enjoyed the best season at Liverpool so far, notably falling out with manager Arne Slot just weeks before AFCON began. The 33-year-old took issue with the Dutchman dropping him, but his angry comments to the press drew a strong response from the footballing world.

Notably, Jamie Carragher called his outburst a 'disgrace' and Salah was then left at home for a Champions League trip to Inter Milan. However, he was then restored to the team for the Premier League win against Brighton shortly. Even so, it could be said that AFCON came at a good time for the Egyptian, who can momentarily escape the glaring eyes of the English press.

Salah Shines vs Zimbabwe

Liverpool fans will be interested to know that Salah looked bright in the early stages of the game. Daily Mail reporter Lewis Steele noted that he had a number of good moments in the first half, and kept setting up his teammates who were unable to capitalise on his quality:

"Mohamed Salah with three big moments already here for Egypt. Two beautiful crosses that were on the money but poor finishing let them down, and a shot well blocked by a defender. He's getting on the ball lots, dropping deep, making stuff happen. What he doePerhaps tiring a little in the second half, Salah was not quite as influential as the game wore on. That said, he regularly looked to try and cause trouble for the Zimbabwean defenders every time he got on the ball, and got his reward as he bagged a winner just as the game ticked into injury time.

The Liverpool star pounced on a loose ball and showed his world-class instincts to turn the half-chance into a winning goal, by hooking his finish into the bottom corner.

After the game, Steele added: "Mo Salah is carrying the nation of Egypt on his shoulders and he has fired them to victory in their AFCON opener with a 91st-min winner. He was excellent, a creative menace and then a typical poachers' finish. He has a beaming smile now which should warm the hearts of many."

Fans Impressed By Salah's AFCON Efforts

Mohamed Salah smiles while on international duty with Egypt

Fans watching at home were impressed with Salah's efforts, especially in the early stages of the game. One claimed he was 'levitating' at times, before adding: "My goodness he's been unbelievable." Another wrote: "Mohamed Salah has been involved in creating 3 big chances already in 12 minutes."s best."