JUBA: Egypt captain Mohamed Salah will miss Tuesday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Sudan in Juba after the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) confirmed that concerns over the artificial playing surface influenced the decision.
Salah was left out of Egypt’s travelling squad for the September 29 fixture after the national team’s technical staff agreed with the forward before the start of the qualifying campaign that he would be rested for the match.
The EFA’s clarification came amid speculation in Egyptian media that Salah’s absence could be linked to his reaction to being substituted during Egypt’s opening qualifier against Angola.
However, the federation said the decision had already been taken before that match and was primarily aimed at protecting the star forward from the potential risks associated with the Juba Stadium surface.
“The technical staff of Egypt’s senior national team, led by Hossam Hassan, have decided to rest Mohamed Salah from the South Sudan match … due to the pitch at Juba Stadium,” the EFA said in a statement.
The federation added that an agreement had been reached with Salah before the Angola game that he would not feature in Juba.
Salah substituted against Angola
Salah started Egypt’s opening qualifier against Angola at the Cairo International Stadium, but was replaced after 61 minutes in a goalless draw.
His substitution prompted speculation about his relationship with head coach Hossam Hassan, particularly after Salah appeared frustrated when leaving the field.
Hassan subsequently explained that the decision was tactical and not related to an injury.
The EFA’s latest statement has now sought to dispel suggestions that Salah’s absence from the South Sudan trip was connected to the substitution.
Egypt begin AFCON qualifying campaign with draw
Egypt, seven-time African champions, were held to a 0-0 draw by Angola in their opening Group B fixture.
The result leaves Malawi at the top of the group after the Flames defeated South Sudan 2-1 in their opening match.
Malawi will face Angola in Luanda on Tuesday, while Egypt take on South Sudan in Juba.
The top two teams in each qualifying group will secure places at the next Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted jointly by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. The tournament is scheduled to take place between June and July.
Egypt have previously rested Salah
This is not the first occasion on which Egypt have opted to manage Salah’s workload during an AFCON qualifying campaign.
The forward was also left out of Egypt’s squad for a qualifier against Mauritania in Nouakchott in October 2024.
Egypt went on to win that match 1-0 and subsequently qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where they reached the semi-final stage.
Salah enjoying strong club form
Salah has made an impressive start to the 2026-27 season after moving from Liverpool to Turkish club Trabzonspor.
The forward has scored seven goals and provided two assists in his first six Super Lig appearances, underlining his importance to both club and country.
Egypt will now hope to collect maximum points against South Sudan despite being without their captain for the Juba fixture.
