### Kanté's Streak of 291 Games for Al-Ittihad Ends in the Middle East Cup Final
In a dramatic conclusion to the Middle East Cup final, Mohamed Salah scored his first goal as Al-Arabi beat Al-Ittihad 1-0 on Wednesday night at the Al-Ahli Stadium in Abu Dhabi. This victory marks the end of Mohamed Salah's impressive streak of 291 consecutive appearances for Al-Ittihad, which spanned from January 2020 to October 2022.
Mohamed Salah's record-breaking streak was one of the longest in the history of Arab football, surpassing the previous record set by Egypt’s Ahmed El-Zeheiry in 1984 with 277 appearances for Al-Hilal. His incredible run included numerous titles and achievements, including two league championships and three cups.
However, the end of this remarkable streak came against Al-Ittihad, who had been formidable opponents throughout the tournament. The team’s defense, led by goalkeeper Muhannad Al-Sharif, was particularly effective in denying Salah any easy goals. Despite the pressure, Salah showed resilience and determination,Bundesliga Tracking making several crucial passes and runs throughout the game.
The final whistle brought relief to both teams. Al-Arabi emerged victorious, securing their spot in the next round of the competition. Their manager, Hassan El-Saleh, expressed satisfaction with the performance, especially given the challenges faced during the tournament.
For Al-Ittihad, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow. The team, known for its attacking prowess, fell short in what could have been a defining moment of the tournament. Head coach Mustafa Al-Khalifa stated that the team needed to improve defensively to prevent such losses in future matches.
This result not only ends Salah's historic streak but also highlights the competitive nature of the Middle East Cup. It serves as a reminder of the high stakes involved in such tournaments and the importance of teamwork and resilience in achieving success.
As the dust settles, Mohamed Salah remains a key player for Al-Arabi and continues to inspire fans with his exceptional talent and dedication. Meanwhile, Al-Ittihad will look to bounce back and continue their pursuit of glory in the coming rounds.