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South Sudan vs Egypt will take place without Mohamed Salah, after the Egypt captain was left out of the squad for Tuesday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Juba. The Egyptian Football Association confirmed that the decision was made because of concerns surrounding the artificial playing surface at Juba Stadium.
The announcement ends speculation that Salah’s absence was connected to his substitution during Egypt’s opening qualifier against Angola. The forward started that match in Cairo but was replaced after 61 minutes, with Zico coming on in his place.
South Sudan vs Egypt: Egypt Rest Mohamed Salah
According to a statement from the Egyptian Football Association, the technical staff led by head coach Hossam Hassan agreed with Salah before the Angola fixture that he would not travel to South Sudan. The decision was presented as a precaution designed to protect the influential attacker from possible injury on the artificial pitch.
“The technical staff of Egypt’s senior national football team, led by Hossam Hassan, have decided to rest Mohamed Salah from the South Sudan match, scheduled for September 29, due to the pitch at the Juba Stadium,” the federation said.
The statement added that the arrangement had been discussed before the Angola match, making clear that Salah’s omission was not a late reaction to his performance or the coach’s decision to substitute him.
Artificial Pitch Concerns Drive Critical Decision
Artificial pitches can create different demands for players accustomed to natural grass. The surface may affect movement, traction and the physical load placed on muscles and joints. For Egypt, protecting Salah is particularly important given his status as the team’s captain and one of its most valuable attacking players.
The decision also reflects Egypt’s cautious approach to managing Salah during international football. The national team previously excused him from a qualifier against Mauritania in Nouakchott in October 2024. Egypt eventually won that match 1-0 and went on to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where the Pharaohs reached the semifinals.
Egypt Seek First AFCON Qualifying Win
Egypt began its latest qualifying campaign with a disappointing 0-0 draw against Angola at the Cairo International Stadium. The seven-time African champions struggled to create a decisive attacking moment, while Salah endured a subdued outing before being substituted.
Although Salah appeared frustrated by the change, Hassan later explained that the decision was tactical and not related to an injury. Local reports nevertheless fueled debate about the relationship between the captain and the coach. The federation’s clarification has now shifted attention back to the playing conditions in Juba.
South Sudan will be looking to recover from a 2-1 defeat against Malawi in its opening Group B fixture. That result left Malawi at the top of the section before its next match against Angola in Luanda. Egypt and South Sudan, meanwhile, will both be seeking an important result to strengthen their qualification positions.
- Egypt opened the campaign with a 0-0 draw against Angola.
- South Sudan lost 2-1 to Malawi in its first group match.
- Mohamed Salah will miss the September 29 fixture in Juba.
- The top two teams in each group will qualify for the tournament.
Salah’s Strong Club Form Raises Expectations
Salah’s absence is a major talking point because of his excellent start to the 2026-27 season with Trabzonspor. The attacker has scored seven goals and supplied two assists in six Turkish Super Lig appearances, according to the information reported by ESPN.
That form has made him one of Egypt’s central attacking threats. Without him, Hassan may need to adjust the team’s attacking structure and rely more heavily on the players available in the squad. Egypt will hope its depth can compensate for the loss of its captain in a match that carries significant early importance.
For South Sudan, the fixture offers an opportunity to respond after the narrow loss to Malawi. Playing at home could provide an advantage, although the artificial surface has become the dominant pre-match storyline. The hosts will aim to use their familiarity with the venue while Egypt seeks greater attacking sharpness.
What the Result Means for Group B
The result could have an immediate impact on the shape of Group B. Egypt needs three points to move beyond its quiet opening draw, while South Sudan cannot afford another setback if it wants to remain in contention for one of the qualification places.
The top two sides in every group will qualify for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations, which is scheduled to be hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania between June and July. With the campaign still at an early stage, neither team is facing elimination, but the pressure to produce a positive result is already increasing.
FAQs
Why is Mohamed Salah missing South Sudan vs Egypt?
Egypt is resting Salah because of concerns about the artificial pitch at Juba Stadium. The decision was agreed between the technical staff and the player before the Angola match.
When will South Sudan play Egypt?
The AFCON qualifier is scheduled for Tuesday, September 29, in Juba, South Sudan.
Did Salah miss the match because of an injury?
The Egyptian Football Association did not report an injury. It said the decision was made to protect Salah from the playing surface.
How did Egypt start its qualifying campaign?
Egypt drew 0-0 with Angola in Cairo in its opening Group B fixture.
Who leads Group B?
Malawi moved to the top of Group B after beating South Sudan 2-1 in its opening match.
