Salah scores twice in Egypt’s 6-0 romp

JOHANNESBURG: Liverpool ace Mohamed Salah scored twice and missed two penalties as Egypt made a dream debut under Mexican coach Javier Aguirre by crushing Niger 6-0 on Saturday in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying.

Salah had clashed with Egyptian football officials ahead of the matchday 2 qualifier in Alexandria for the 2019 finals over image-rights violations and personal security. But once on the pitch, the Egypt superstar was quickly in the thick of the action, winning a first-minute penalty which was blocked.

After Marwan Mohsen and Ayman Ashraf goals gave the 2018 World Cup flops a two-goal edge, Salah had another penalty saved, but scored from the rebound for a 3-0 half-time advantage. The Liverpool sharpshooter created the fourth goal for rising star Salah Mohsen.

Salah netted the fifth and Mohamed Elneny from Arsenal completed the rout with a goal two minutes into stoppage time.

It was a wonderful start for former Mexico and Japan manager Aguirre, who recently signed a four-year contract as boss of the record seven-time African champions. NEWDELHI: Last month, Adel Ezzat stepped down as Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) chief while announcing his candidature for the presidency of Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the election for which is slated next year. His move came three months after formation of the 14-nation South West Asian Football Federation (SWAFF), which he presides and includes the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

In May, the AFC sought clarification from countries in SWAFF, citing its statutes which do not allow members to form regional