Egypt’s qualifying campaign has barely begun, yet Mohamed Salah will already be watching the next step from a distance. The 34-year-old will not travel to Juba for Tuesday’s Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifier against South Sudan because the match will be played on an artificial surface.
Key takeaways
- Mohamed Salah has been left out of Egypt’s squad for the South Sudan away match on Tuesday.
- The decision was taken to avoid playing the forward on the synthetic pitch in Juba.
- Egypt drew 0-0 with Angola in Cairo in their opening AFCON 2027 qualifying fixture.
- Salah started against Angola but was substituted after an hour by coach Hossam Hassan.
- The player recently joined Trabzonspor after leaving Liverpool.
Planned protection for Egypt captain
Egypt’s technical staff had agreed with Salah before the Angola fixture that he would not feature against South Sudan. The federation said the decision was made to protect the player, with the artificial turf in Juba regarded as an unnecessary risk during the early stage of qualification.
Salah therefore will not make the trip for Egypt’s second Group match, scheduled for Tuesday at 15:00. Hossam Hassan must prepare his side without the experienced attacker after an opening result that left the Pharaohs still searching for their first win.
Angola stalemate leaves Egypt seeking response
Egypt were held scoreless by Angola on Friday in Cairo, beginning their road to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations with a 0-0 draw. Salah was named in the starting line-up but did not play the full contest, leaving the pitch around the 60-minute mark.
The draw increases the importance of the trip to South Sudan, although Egypt’s staff have chosen not to alter their plan for Salah despite the need for a stronger result. His absence is tied specifically to the playing surface rather than an injury issue.
