Arsenal and Liverpool’s Egyptian stars Mohamed Elneny and Mohamed Salah started for their country against Comoros to confirm their place in next year’s African Cup Of Nations as group winners.
Salah scored a brace while Elneny scored a screamer from outside the box to help the Pharaohs win 4-0 in Cairo.
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Egypt boss Hossam El Badry was absolutely delighted with his side’s display, but a moment before the game made him even happier.
Elneny is Egypt’s skipper but the Arsenal man decided to handover the captain’s armband against Comoros to Salah. The Liverpool star came under a lot of criticism for his performance in the Pharaohs previous game against Kenya.
The nice guy that he is, Elneny selflessly handed over the captaincy to Salah and the Liverpool superstar scored twice. El Badry heaped praise on the Arsenal midfielder for his ‘great gesture’ after the game.
He said, as per KingFut: “We got used to responding [to criticism] on the pitch and this is what we did [against Comoros]. Elneny wanted to speak to the public and clarify that there was no issue but I called him to remain focused.
“Elneny’s gesture to leave the captain’s armband to Salah was great and proves that this duo is of great value to the national team.”
The Insider’s View:
Mikel Arteta has always praised Elneny’s incredible attitue and the energy that he brings to the side behind the scenes. The Arsenal midfielder is one of the most humble footballers in the world, and his gesture on international duty proved that once again.
The Egyptian will now return to London Colney to get himself ready for the big game on Saturday against Liverpool.
Hopefully, his acts of kindness to Salah are now over and he puts his full focus on helping Arsenal get the better of his compatriot’s side.
