Experienced Egypt winger Ahmed Fathi has praised his teammate Mohamed Salah of Roma, saying he accepts the media's dubbing of the national squad as "Salah's team."
"He is the star of Roma and Egypt depends on him," Fathi said in a television interview Monday.
The 24-year-old Salah inspired Egypt to lead their group in the World Cup qualifiers with six points, two clear of Uganda, after scoring a penalty kick in the 2-0 win over Ghana on 13 November.
Egypt will next face Uganda in two home and away matches next year.
"I never get upset when the Egyptian team's name merged with Salah's in the media because he deserves this fame."
"He is a very humble and committed player. He was a key factor in most of Egypt's recent victories," longtime Ahly winger Fathi added.
The Pharaohs will compete in the 2017 African Cup of Nations in Gabon next January after they missed the tournament three times.
Ahmed Fathi, 32, has been a key player on the team since he joined in 2002, filling many positions that inspired them to win a series of trophies.
Salah started with Roma on Monday in the Serie A, winning the penalty that gave Roma a 1-0 lead over Atalanta when his close-range shot struck the hands of a defender.
File Photo: Egypt's Ahmed Fathie and Ghana’s Christian Atsu in action (Reuters)
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