Mohamed Salah was unable to put his Liverpool struggles behind him as Egypt suffered an unexpected setback in its preparations for next month's Africa Cup of Nations

Mohamed Salah and Egypt?s preparations for next month?s Africa Cup of Nations haven?t got off to the best of starts following a suprise defeat to Uzbekistan on Friday.

The Liverpool winger joined his international teammates in Dubai for the Al Ain International Cup as he looked to put his struggles with his club this season behind him.

Having safely secured its spot in next year?s World Cup, Egypt can now begin to plot its charge for an eighth AFCON title, with the tournament getting underway in Morocco on December 21 - although it seems as though Salah and his teammates might have some work to do before then.

With just over a month before the tournament starts, Egypt would have been hoping to warm-up with a victory over an Uzbekistan side 23 places below it in the FIFA world rankings

Hossam Hassan?s side though suffered just its second defeat in the last 21 months as it fell to a 2-0 loss. Oston Urunov?s first-half double was enough to secure victory for Fabio Cannavaro?s team, which will be making its first appearance at a World Cup next year.

Salah played the full 90 minutes at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium but, not for the first time this season, was unable to make an impact as his side missed out on a place in the final of the mini tournament. (Liverpool.com)

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