For some Egyptian football fans, watching Mohamed Salah lead Egypt to two World Cups in 2018 and 2026 will never make up for the fact that the 'golden generation' missed their chance in 2006, 2010 or 2014.

Former national team player Ahmed Elshiekh told Al Jazeera it is unfair to compare the two generations. 'The golden generation did everything but get to the World Cup. They beat Italy when they were world champions. The draw in qualification was just unkind to them.'

Salah is the captain and leader of the current generation. He won every trophy on offer at Liverpool and became the highest-scoring foreigner in Premier League history.

However, his achievement in dragging Egypt to the 2018 World Cup is brushed aside because Egypt was the first team eliminated. Salah also lost the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations final and a 2022 World Cup playoff on penalties.

Fans clung to memories of the team that won AFCON in 2006, 2008 and 2010, spearheaded by legendary midfielder Mohamed Aboutrika.

Current manager Hossam Hassan, who once criticized Salah, now works closely with him. Hassan's appointment was initially seen as a crisis measure, but has proven unexpectedly successful.

Egypt qualified for the 2026 World Cup undefeated and reached the 2025 AFCON semifinals. They now face defending champions Argentina in the round of 16.

Despite Salah's injury, Egypt beat Australia on penalties. Aboutrika praised the new generation, calling it the biggest night in Egyptian football history, but not everyone is convinced.

Source: www.aljazeera.com