The Egyptian Football Federation announced on September 26, 2026, that Mohamed Salah, the captain of the Egyptian national team, will be rested for the upcoming match against South Sudan. This decision was made by the technical staff of the Egyptian national team, led by coach Hossam Hassan, due to the artificial turf at the Juba Stadium, where the match will be played.
According to the federation's statement, the decision to rest Salah was made in agreement with the player himself before the match against Angola. The technical staff decided to rest him to preserve his physical well-being and prevent potential injuries that could affect his performance with both his club and national team.
Mohamed Salah had left the Egyptian national team's camp before traveling to face South Sudan, following a coordination between him and the technical staff. This decision was taken as a precautionary measure due to the artificial turf at the Juba Stadium, which may pose a risk of muscle injuries, similar to those he sustained in previous matches against Mauritania and Cape Verde.
The Egyptian national team is set to face South Sudan on September 29, 2026, in Juba, as part of the second round of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The team had started their campaign with a goalless draw against Angola at the Cairo International Stadium. The Juba Stadium, which will host the match, has a capacity of 7,000 to 10,000 spectators and was renovated in 2024 with the support of FIFA.
The artificial turf at the Juba Stadium has raised concerns about player safety, and the Egyptian team's technical staff decided to prioritize Salah's well-being. This decision is seen as a strategic move to ensure the team's key player remains fit for future matches.
Egypt's coach, Hossam Hassan, is known for his emphasis on player welfare and performance. His decision to rest Salah reflects the team's cautious approach to the upcoming match. The Egyptian team is expected to face a tough challenge against South Sudan, which recently won against Malawi 2-1 in the same qualifying group.
The Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers continue to intensify, with teams competing for a spot in the prestigious tournament. Egypt, one of the continent's top teams, is looking to secure a strong position in the group and advance to the next stage. The team's performance against South Sudan will be crucial in determining their chances of qualification.
Key points
- Egypt's football federation announces Mohamed Salah's rest for the South Sudan match due to artificial turf concerns.
- The decision was made in agreement with Salah to prioritize his physical well-being.
- Egypt faces South Sudan on September 29, 2026, in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
