**AFCONQ: Ziyech, Salah Excluded From Squads**

Tecfai Editorial Team

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Post on Nov 12, 2024

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AFCONQ: Ziyech, Salah Excluded from Squads, Stirring Up Controversy

The upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers have thrown a wrench into the plans of several African giants, with the notable absence of two of the continent's most prominent stars: Hakim Ziyech and Mohamed Salah. This unexpected development has sparked debate among fans and pundits alike, leaving many wondering about the reasons behind their exclusion and its potential impact on their respective national teams.

Ziyech's Moroccan Mystery

The Moroccan Football Federation made the decision to leave out the Chelsea midfielder from their squad for the upcoming qualifiers against Liberia and Burkina Faso. While the official reason cited was "tactical choices," speculation has run rampant, with rumors of a rift between Ziyech and head coach Walid Regragui swirling.

Ziyech's omission comes after a successful season with Chelsea, where he played a crucial role in their Champions League triumph. His absence raises concerns about the Moroccan team's attacking potency, particularly considering his creative prowess and ability to unlock defenses.

Salah's Egyptian Stance

Meanwhile, Egypt's decision to exclude their star striker Mohamed Salah from the upcoming qualifiers against Niger and Guinea has also generated significant buzz. The Liverpool forward, who is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world, cited "personal reasons" for his absence.

While Salah has previously expressed his desire to prioritize his focus on Liverpool's upcoming season, some have interpreted his decision as a statement about his relationship with the Egyptian FA. The absence of their talismanic forward will undoubtedly impact Egypt's attacking threat, but the extent to which remains to be seen.

Beyond the Individual Players

The exclusion of Ziyech and Salah from their respective national teams is more than just a matter of individual players. It highlights the complex dynamics that often arise between players, coaches, and football federations within the African context.

These decisions are not merely about tactical considerations but also reflect broader issues related to player power, national pride, and the challenges of managing talent within a competitive footballing environment.

The Road Ahead

The upcoming AFCON qualifiers will undoubtedly be closely watched, with the absence of Ziyech and Salah adding an extra layer of intrigue. It remains to be seen whether their national teams can navigate these crucial games successfully without their star players. The performance of Morocco and Egypt in these qualifiers will provide valuable insights into the impact of their absence and the strategies their coaches will employ to fill the void.

This controversy serves as a reminder that the world of international football is rarely straightforward. The future of Ziyech and Salah within their national teams remains uncertain, but one thing is for sure: their absence will be felt.