Egypt is a record seven-time African champion but has struggled to maintain its status as the continent's most successful team. The last of its African Cup titles came in 2010.
At this time of the year, Mahmoud would be on the field playing as a defender for Beni Suef, a club in Egypt's second division. But like millions in the Arab world’s most populous country, he has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.
Salah's goal was his 13th in African Cup of Nations qualifying, overtaking the previous Egyptian record by Hossam Hassan.
Salah was the hero, even after the penalty he earned 60 seconds in and took himself was saved by Niger goalkeeper Kassaly Daouda.
El Hadary debuted for the Pharaohs in 1996 and says he's "very proud" after playing in 159 international matches.
Salah scored 44 goals from 52 games for Liverpool last season in all competitions, including 32 goals in the Premier League.
Salem Aldawsari scored with almost the last kick, shooting from a tight angle inside the Egypt penalty area and poking the ball past El Hadary.
Russia is enjoying quite the party at their own World Cup, and not even the highly anticipated return of Mohamed Salah could slow them down on Tuesday.
Russia will be high on confidence after hammering Saudi Arabia 5-0 in their opening game in Moscow on Thursday, June 14.
Salah, the Premier League's player of the season, is recovering from injuring his shoulder while playing for Liverpool in last month's Champions League final.
Now Egypt can unleash Salah on Russia's lesser-regarded defense in St. Petersburg, and it could be an eye-opener for some people.
Salah injured his left shoulder in the Champions League final last month, putting his World Cup in doubt. He was an unused substitute in Egypt's 1-0 loss to Uruguay.
It was tough luck for Egypt in the first match of the group stage against Uruguay as the Mohamed Salah-less team couldn't find a decent target on goal and late winner by Gimenez sealed their fate.
With Egypt's star striker Mohamed Salah on the bench, a back and forth attacking match saw Uruguay prevail victorious with a last-minute header.
Going by the quality and World Cup pedigree of the two teams, Egypt are expected to face a tough, uphill battle when they step out for their first World Cup match since 1990.
Egypt qualified for the tournament for the first time in 28 years, and its chances in Group A against host Russia, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay mainly rest on the 25-year-old Salah.
Egypt have been a dominant force in African football throughout the years, but an entire generation of Egyptians were deprived of seeing the national team compete on the biggest stage.
Russia, Uruguay, Egypt and Saudi Arabia are part of Group A in FIFA World Cup 2018.
The Liverpool forward was injured in the first half of Saturday's Champions League final against Real Madrid and left the field in tears.
Salah was hacked down by Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos in the first half of the Champions League final in Kiev. He left the ground in tears as Liverpool lost 1-3.
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