The Egyptian national football team's coaching staff, led by head coach Hossam Hassan, has announced that star player Mohamed Salah will be rested for the upcoming match against South Sudan on September 29. The decision was made due to concerns over the pitch, which is made of artificial turf, also known as "Tartan". This is not the first time Salah has been rested due to pitch concerns, as he was also given a break for the matches against Mauritania and Cape Verde.
The news of Salah's absence has caused frustration and tension within the team's camp. Some players have expressed concerns about playing on artificial turf, but have not left the camp. The team's dynamics were already strained after the draw against Angola in the first round of the African Cup of Nations qualifiers. The match against Angola was marked by controversy, with Hassan's comments about goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy sparking outrage among fans and the media.
According to a source within the team, the players are unhappy about Salah's departure, which has added to the tension in the camp. The source revealed that some players are worried about playing on artificial turf, but have chosen not to leave the camp. The team's statement confirmed that the decision to rest Salah was made in agreement with the player himself, with the aim of protecting him.
Egypt will face South Sudan in the second round of the African Cup of Nations qualifiers, which will take place in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania next summer. The match against South Sudan is scheduled to take place on September 29 in Juba, the capital city of South Sudan. The team is looking to bounce back from the disappointing draw against Angola, which was played at the Cairo International Stadium.
The match against South Sudan will be played on artificial turf, which has been a concern for the Egyptian team. In the past, the team has struggled with injuries and fatigue on such pitches. The coaching staff is taking precautions to ensure the players' safety and well-being. The team's fans are eagerly awaiting the match, which will be broadcast live on beIN Sports.
The Egyptian team's preparation for the match against South Sudan has been affected by the absence of Salah. The team has been training hard, but the players are feeling the pressure of playing without their star player. The team's strategy and tactics will need to be adjusted to compensate for Salah's absence. The coaching staff is working hard to come up with a winning plan.
The match against South Sudan is crucial for Egypt's chances of qualifying for the African Cup of Nations. A win will boost the team's confidence and put them in a strong position in the group. The team's fans are optimistic about their chances, despite the setback of Salah's absence. The match will be a tough test for the Egyptian team, but they are determined to come out on top.
Key points
- Mohamed Salah will miss Egypt's match against South Sudan due to pitch concerns.