AFCON 2026: Sunday Oliseh Surprises, Picks Omar Marmoush Over Salah as Egypt’s Deadliest Threat

Former Super Eagles manager, Sunday Oliseh, has raised eyebrows by overlooking Mohamed Salah and naming Omar Marmoush as the most dangerous player for Egypt at the ongoing AFCON 2026 tournament.

In a recent discussion on the Global Football Insights podcast, Oliseh praised the impact of Marmoush, while also acknowledging Salah’s role in Egypt’s recent successes. According to Oliseh, it was Marmoush who significantly influenced Egypt’s 3-2 victory over Ivory Coast in the quarter-finals.

Speaking ahead of Egypt’s high-stakes semi-final clash with Senegal scheduled for Wednesday evening, Oliseh explained:

“Egypt is entering the next match with the mindset that they are improving. Their start in the tournament wasn’t perfect, but the results show growth.”

He further emphasized the threat posed by Marmoush over Salah:

“The most dangerous Egyptian player right now is not Mohamed Salah, it’s Omar Marmoush. He was instrumental in making it easier for Egypt to secure the win against Ivory Coast.”

Egypt will face Senegal in the semi-finals after overcoming Ivory Coast, while Senegal booked their spot by defeating Mali in the quarter-finals. Both teams are expected to bring high intensity to the penultimate AFCON 2026 match, with fans anticipating a tactical showdown.

This revelation by Oliseh adds a fresh perspective on Egypt’s attacking options, highlighting that talent beyond the star-studded Salah can be just as impactful in high-pressure tournament matches. Football analysts and fans alike are now paying close attention to Marmoush as Egypt aims for a place in the AFCON final.