Egypt rest Mohamed Salah for South Sudan qualifier over artificial pitch

Mohamed Salah will miss Egypt’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier away to South Sudan on September 29 because of the artificial playing surface, according to BBC Sport. The Egyptian Football Association said coach Hossam Hassan and his staff had decided to rest the forward as a protective measure, with the arrangement agreed before Egypt played Angola.

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The federation’s explanation places the decision before Friday’s goalless draw in Cairo, rather than making it a response to that result. Salah started against Angola and was taken off after an hour, BBC Sport reported. The 34-year-old has not travelled with the squad to Juba for the South Sudan match. The stated reason for his absence is the pitch, not a newly announced injury.

Hassan separately addressed Salah’s substitution at his post-match news conference. According to YSscores’ account, the coach described the change as a tactical choice based on the requirements of the game. He also said he was satisfied with the players’ performance and their effort throughout the opening qualifier, despite Egypt finishing the evening without a goal.

The same report said Hassan identified collecting enough points to secure qualification as Egypt’s central objective. He also highlighted the different conditions awaiting his team in South Sudan, saying the artificial surface required specific preparation. His remarks addressed both the immediate outcome against Angola and the work needed for the next match in the qualifying campaign.

Salah’s omission removes a forward who has begun his club season productively. BBC Sport reported that he has scored seven goals and supplied two assists in six Turkish Super Lig appearances for Trabzonspor.

Egypt’s original September squad also included forwards Omar Marmoush and Hamza Abdelkarim, according to Pan Africa Football’s report on the announcement. That squad featured nine overseas-based players, while Al Ahly midfielder Ali Mahmoud received his first call-up. Goalkeeper Abdelaziz El Balouty returned to the selection after Mohamed El Shenawy was ruled out through injury. After the two opening qualifiers, Egypt are scheduled to face South Africa in a friendly on October 4.