Egypt rests Salah for South Sudan clash over Juba pitch conditions

Careful not to mistake caution for frustration. That, essentially, is the point the Egyptian Football Association wanted to drive home after confirming that Mohamed Salah will not travel to Juba for Egypt's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Sudan, scheduled for this Tuesday.

The decision has nothing to do with the forward's performance in the opening match of the qualifying campaign, where Egypt drew 0-0 with Angola on Friday at Cairo International Stadium. The real reason, according to the federation's own statement, is far more down to earth: the artificial turf at Juba Stadium.

Speculation had been swirling in Egypt that Salah was upset over coach Hossam Hassan's decision to substitute him after an hour of play against Angola. The federation stepped in to shut down that narrative, explaining that the captain's absence had already been decided before that match even kicked off.

An agreement made in advance

"The Egyptian national team's technical staff, led by Hossam Hassan, decided to rest Mohamed Salah for the match against South Sudan, scheduled for September 29, due to the condition of the pitch at Juba Stadium," the EFA statement read.

An agreement was reached between the national team's technical staff and Mohamed Salah before the match against Angola that he would not play against South Sudan, as the technical staff preferred this in order to protect the player.Egyptian Football Association

Salah did start in the scoreless draw with Angola, a fairly underwhelming result for the seven-time African champions in their first outing since being eliminated by Argentina, 3-2, in the World Cup round of 16 on July 7. The forward, now with Trabzonspor, was subbed off for Zico in the 61st minute following a quiet performance, and he didn't hide his displeasure with the substitution. Hassan later clarified that the change was a tactical decision and not related to any injury, though local media picked up on Salah's visible frustration at the final whistle.

The point against Angola leaves Malawi atop Group B after the Flames beat South Sudan 2-1 in their opening match. Malawi will now travel to face Angola in Luanda, also on Tuesday, in the group's second round of fixtures.

The top two finishers in each group will punch their tickets to next year's tournament, set to be hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania between June and July.

This isn't the first time Egypt has opted for caution with its star man during a qualifying campaign. It happened before in October 2024, when Salah was left out of the match against Mauritania in Nouakchott. Egypt won that one 1-0 and went on to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where they reached the semifinals before being eliminated.

Meanwhile, Salah is enjoying a strong run of form with Trabzonspor since his move from Liverpool at the start of the season: seven goals and two assists in six appearances in the Turkish Super Lig.