Ethiopia captain Asechalew Temene speaks on Mohamed Salah's compliment

Ethiopian national team captain Asechalew Tamene has claimed Egypt star Mohamed Salah gave him a compliment following Friday's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier game in Casablanca, Morocco. Salah scored and assisted as Egypt defeated Ethiopia 2-0 in action from Group A.

Speaking on Seifu Show, a famous weekly Ethiopian TV show, Tamene stated he had a good game facing the star-studded Egyptian side. "I performed well in the game. A player of Mohamed Salah's caliber said that I had a good game, too. He (Salah) even gave me his shirt. The likes of Abubaker (Nassir) and Abdulkerim (Worku) were asking him for his shirt."

The Mechal SC center back added Salah declined multiple Waliya players to give his shirt to the Ethiopian captain. "He (Salah) gave me plaudits on the way I performed. He said no to the other players when they asked him for his shirt. He was saying, 'Good defender!' while handing me his shirt."

Tamene and the defensive line that he led was at fault for both goals but he was instrumental in the second half to make the score line remained unchanged. The former Saint George defender also made a notable goal line clearance as he denied Mahmoud Trezeguet from getting on the scoresheet.

Ethiopia will face Djibouti in El Jadida, Morocco for matchday six in their next qualifying fixture. Ethiopia are currently in 5th place on three points, ten points behind Group A leaders Egypt.