Egypt will resume their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign on Tuesday with a visit to South Sudan, seeking a win to ease tensions after a slow start. Coach Hossam Hassan's team was held to a goalless draw by Angola at home on Friday, prompting criticism of his team selection and management. This result came two months after Egypt impressed at the World Cup, raising expectations for their first competitive appearance since the tournament.
Tensions had already surfaced on the eve of the Angola game when Hassan made pointed remarks about Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shennawy during a tense pre-match news conference. He also questioned the level of the domestic league and the Egyptian Football Association's (EFA) decision to arrange a friendly against South Africa without his approval. These comments sparked controversy, with Ahly issuing a statement expressing their discontent.
Hassan adopted a more conciliatory tone on Monday's pre-match news conference, saying he respected all Egyptian players and denying there was any rift within the squad. "I have great confidence in all the players," Hassan said, adding that Egypt were ready to win in South Sudan. Captain Mohamed Salah will miss the game after not travelling with the squad due to an agreement to avoid playing on artificial turf.
Salah was substituted in the 60th minute against Angola, with reports suggesting the 34-year-old was unhappy with the decision. Hassan said after the game that the change had been made for technical reasons. The coach denied any disagreement with Salah on Monday and said the player would be available for Egypt's friendly against South Africa on 4 October.
Egypt's squad has been boosted by the return of Ahly midfielder Marwan Attia, who missed the Angola game through suspension. NBE Club striker Osama Faisal was added to the squad in place of Salah, providing another attacking option alongside Tottenham forward Omar Marmoush and Pyramids FC forward Mostafa "Ziko" Abdel-Raouf.
With the administrative tensions apparently eased, Hassan will hope a victory in South Sudan can improve Egypt's position in Group B. Egypt are currently third in the group with one point, two behind leaders Malawi, who visit Angola later on Tuesday. The top two teams in the group will qualify automatically for next year's Africa Cup of Nations.
South Sudan are ranked 171st in the FIFA rankings, compared with 24th for Egypt. Egypt's fullback Mohamed Hany expressed confidence ahead of the match, saying, “There are no problems in the Pharaohs’ camp and we are ready to win.”
Key points
- Egypt coach Hossam Hassan seeks to restore calm after a slow AFCON qualifying start.
- Captain Mohamed Salah will miss the game against South Sudan due to an agreement to avoid playing on artificial turf.
- Egypt are third in Group B with one point, two behind leaders Malawi.
