Egypt to rest Salah for South Sudan qualifier over artificial turf
The Egyptian Football Association says the decision was agreed with Salah before the Angola match, citing the playing surface at Juba Stadium and a desire to protect the player.
Mohamed Salah will not travel with Egypt’s squad for their 29 September Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Sudan, the Egyptian Football Association said. The match is scheduled to be played on artificial turf at Juba Stadium.
The EFA said Egypt’s technical staff, led by coach Hossam Hassan, decided to rest Salah because of the playing surface. It said the plan was agreed with the player before Egypt’s opening qualifier against Angola, with the staff preferring the approach to protect him.
Salah started Friday’s match against Angola but was substituted midway through the second half. Egypt drew 0-0.
The EFA’s statement gives no further detail about the surface or the specific injury concerns behind the decision. Egypt are in Group B of the 2027 qualifiers with Angola, South Sudan and Malawi.
