Mohamed Salah is quite used to having plenty of attention heaped upon him.
But, the Liverpool star had some surprise visitors in very close proximity during Egypt's World Cup qualifier against Angola in Luanda at the weekend.
It wasn't just opposition defenders monitoring his movement, as Angolan fans managed to get on to the pitch to greet the region's most famous player.
And it didn't happen just once, but on three occasions according to reports.
Video footage showed one fan running across the grass towards Salah while Egypt were on the attack in the 88th minute.
The fan greeted Salah with arms wide open and the pair embraced before the match was halted.
Salah played a key role, setting up a goal for teammate Mohamed Elneny as Egypt sealed a place in the final African qualifying stage with a 2-2 draw.
Salah, who won the Premier League Player of the Month and Goal of the Month awards on Friday, was hailed by South Africa-born Egypt assistant coach Roger de Sa, who called him "a respectful professional who is a pleasure to work with.
"He is one of the best footballers in the world, but so humble. His behaviour in the build-up to the Angola match was exemplary."
The 29-year-old also found time during the match to act as a peacemaker after a scuffle close to the Egypt bench threatened to get out of hand soon after his side levelled.
Salah calmed his teammates and opponents after Egypt coach and former Real Madrid manager and Manchester United assistant Carlos Queiroz was pushed by an Angolan player.
Egypt are the fourth group winners after Senegal, Morocco and Mali to secure places in two-leg play-offs next March that will decide which five African teams go to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The remaining six places will be decided by Tuesday with African champions Algeria, Nigeria, Tunisia set to make it.
Ivory Coast and Cameroon, South Africa and Ghana and Benin and the Democratic Republic are locked in two-team battles to win the other sections.
_____________________
Mohamed Salah's goals in 2021-2022 season
-
1. Mohamed Salah's first goal of the season came in Liverpool's first game of the season, a 3-0 victory at newly promoted Norwich City on August 14. Reuters -
2. Salah's second goal came on August 28, in Liverpool's 1-1 draw with Chelsea. Reuters -
3. No 3 of the season was at Leeds United, where Liverpool won 3-0. EPA -
4. Another for Salah in the Premier League in the 3-0 win against Crystal Palace on September 18. AFP -
5. A thrilling 3-3 draw at Brentford on September 25 saw Salah claim another goal. AFP -
6. A goal that will be talked about for years to come: Salah scores a wonderful strike in the 2-2 draw with Manchester City on October 3. EPA -
7. The international break did nothing to slow Salah's form, as he danced around Watford's bewildered defence to score in the 5-0 win at Vicarage Road. Reuters -
8. Salah scores the third against Manchester United in Liverpool's 5-0 Premier League triumph on October 24. Getty -
9. Salah was soon at it again, adding the fourth at Old Trafford. Getty -
10. A hat-trick for Salah, adding the fifth in Liverpool's 5-0 win at Manchester United. Getty -
11. After three games without a goal, Salah is back on the scoresheet in the 4-0 demolition of Arsenal in the Premier League on November 20. EPA -
12. Another to delight the Liverpool fans as Salah scores his side's second goal during the 4-1 Merseyside derby win at Everton on December 1. AP -
13. His next came in the same match at Goodison Park. EPA -
14. The only goal of the game in the 1-0 Premier League victory over Aston Villa at Anfield on December 11. EPA -
15. Liverpool keep the momentum going with a 3-1 win over Newcastle at Anfield, with Salah netting the second, on December 16. Reuters -
16. Salah celebrates another goal in the 2-2 draw at Chelsea on January 2. AP -
17. Salah scores the second goal in the 3-1 win against Norwich on February 19. PA -
18. Mohamed Salah scores in the 6-0 win against Leeds on February 23. PA -
19. Salah after scoring his second goal of the game against Leeds. AP -
20. Another stunning season for Mohamed Salah as he notches Premier League goal No 20 in the 2-0 win at Brighton on March 12. PA
