The renowned British website "Give Me Sport" published a list of the best football players in the history of Africa, led by Egyptian star Mohamed Salah, along with his compatriots, the experienced former Al Ahly goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary and his teammate, defender Wael Gomaa. The list caused a significant shock among Arab African fans due to the absence of several prominent names in the continent's history, notably Moroccan goalkeeper Badou Zaki and his compatriots Nourredine Naybet and Mohamed Timoumi, as well as Algerians Rabah Madjer, Riyad Mahrez, and Lakhdar Belloumi, along with Salhi Assad. The Tunisian star Tarek Diab was also missing from the lineup.
The website justified each star's selection that might raise controversy, emphasizing that Essam El-Hadary, who won all possible titles with Al Ahly and his national team, is the oldest player in World Cup history, appearing at the age of 45 in the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Wael Gomaa won the Africa Cup of Nations three times with Egypt in 2006, 2008, and 2010, and secured six CAF Champions League titles with Al Ahly. Meanwhile, it was stressed that there is no dispute over Mohamed Salah leading the list after his strong performances with Liverpool, where he won the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League, and was previously chosen among the top three players in the world, currently excelling with the "Reds" by scoring 13 goals in 15 matches so far.
**Best African XI in History**
- Goalkeeper: Essam El-Hadary (Egypt)
- Defense: Samuel Kuffour (Ghana), Wael Gomaa (Egypt), Kolo Touré (Ivory Coast)
- Midfield: Sadio Mané (Senegal), Abedi Pelé (Ghana), Yaya Touré (Ivory Coast), Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
- Attack: George Weah (Liberia), Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast), Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon)
