Mohamed Salah has been criticized on social media after his Egypt side was beaten by Nigeria in their group stage opener at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Super Eagles took all three points after Leicester’s Kelechi Iheanacho blasted home a superb winner, leaving Salah and his teammates dejected at full-time.
And despite the superstar’s best efforts, he has been savaged by a number of people online, with many taking light-hearted swipes at his inability to salvage a result.
Indeed, Salah was unable to repeat his heroics for Liverpool after being marshaled brilliantly by an organized Nigeria, who threw their bodies on the line for a shutout.
The 29-year-old saw a stinging volley blocked during the clash, but the linesman’s flag was raised for an earlier offside, which would have ruled out the potential goal.
Statistics recorded by Opta showed that Salah was restricted to just 35 touches on the ball, with four coming inside the opposition’s penalty area.
Adding to his frustrating evening, the typically prolific forward mustered up just one shot, and also attempted two dribbles, one of which was successful.
It was no surprise, then, that a host of Twitter users were quick to take aim at him.
One account said: ‘Salah seems useless without his Liverpool squad.’
‘People are always slandering Mo Salah for no reason, he didn’t even play today,’ another joked.
A third, meanwhile, posted: ‘Salah vs Nigeria highlights. Egyptian king?’ alongside a picture of a man who resembles the misfiring ace.
‘No running space and Salah is once again useless in a tough game,’ said a fourth.
Finally, a fifth added: ‘Two defenders just outpaced Salah at the same time. I’m crying. AFCON is no joke.’