Since moving to Liverpool in 2017, Salah has won every major club trophy on offer, including the Premier League twice and the Champions League.

But it is continental kingship the 33-year-old has spent the twilight years of his career chasing.

“Nobody, even in Egypt, wants to win this trophy more than me,” said Salah after helping his team beat Ivory Coast in the quarter-finals last week.

“I have won almost every prize. This is the title I am waiting for.”

It would be hasty and premature to suggest this will be Salah’s last Afcon with Egypt.

The forward, who has amassed more than 110 caps for the Pharaohs since his debut in 2011, could still feature in the 2027 and 2028 editions of the tournament before it switches to a four-year cycle.

But with his age, and long-term future at Liverpool unclear after a public outburst at Elland Road last month, it could be the last time Salah features in the competition as a Premier League talisman.

Speaking after the game, former Chelsea and Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel said: “He has been waiting. We are all fans of Mo Salah, I played with him, great guy.

“He has won everything at club level but everyone wanted him to win this title. Now he needs to go back to Liverpool and carry on with his career.”

Meanwhile, former Morocco midfielder Hassan Kachloul warned Salah he was running out of time to lead Egypt to an eighth Afcon title.

“He will not stop until he gets his rewards. He will play again in two years,” said the 52-year-old, who had spells at both Southampton and Aston Villa in his career.

“He will try to concentrate on the next tournament and win the title – or else it will be the one that gets away as there won’t be many more chances.”

Salah and Egypt will face Nigeria in a third-place play-off on Saturday, before he returns back to Liverpool looking to put this disappointment behind him.