Egypt will resume their campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) qualifiers with a match against South Sudan on September 29, 2026. The Pharaons are seeking to bounce back from a disappointing 0-0 draw against Angola in their previous match. The draw was marked by controversy and criticism of coach Hossam Hassan's team selection and tactics. Egypt currently sit third in Group B with one point, two points behind leaders Malawi.
The match against Angola was preceded by tension, with Hassan making critical comments about Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy in a pre-match press conference. After the match, Al Ahly released a statement expressing dissatisfaction with Hassan's comments about the club and its captain. Sources within the Egyptian Football Federation (EFA) also expressed surprise at Hassan's comments. However, Hassan took a more conciliatory tone in a pre-match press conference on September 28, stating that he respects all Egyptian players and denying any tensions within the squad.
Egypt will be without captain Mohamed Salah, who has been excused from the match due to concerns about playing on a synthetic pitch. Salah was substituted in the 60th minute of the Angola match, sparking reports of discontent. Hassan denied any disagreement with Salah, stating that the substitution was made for technical reasons. Salah is expected to be available for Egypt's friendly match against South Africa on October 4.
Defender Mohamed Abdelmoneim will also be absent due to an ongoing knee injury. The Egyptian squad has not called up a replacement for Abdelmoneim. However, Osama Faisal, an attacker from NBE Club, has been called up to replace Salah. Egypt's squad includes other attacking options such as Omar Marmoush of Tottenham and Hamza Abdelkarim, a young player from Barcelona.
Midfielder Marwan Attia will return to the squad after missing the Angola match due to suspension. Hassan hopes that a win against South Sudan will ease tensions and improve Egypt's position in Group B. Egypt currently rank 24th in the FIFA world rankings, while South Sudan rank 171st.
The match against South Sudan is crucial for Egypt's chances of qualifying for the CAN 2027. The top two teams in each group will qualify automatically for the tournament. Hassan expressed confidence in his team's abilities, stating that they are ready to win against South Sudan.
The Egyptian team has been preparing for the match, with players expressing optimism about the team's chances. "There are no problems within the Pharaons' camp, and we are ready to win," said Mohamed Hany, an Egyptian defender, in a pre-match press conference.
Key points
- Egypt will be without captain Mohamed Salah and defender Mohamed Abdelmoneim in their CAN 2027 qualifier against South Sudan.
- The match is crucial for Egypt's chances of qualifying for the CAN 2027, with the top two teams in each group qualifying automatically.
- Egypt currently sit third in Group B with one point, two points behind leaders Malawi.
