Mostafa Mohamed responded with professionalism and restraint after being left out of Egypt’s crucial Group B match against South Africa, a fixture the Pharaohs edged thanks to a goal from Mohamed Salah.
The striker’s absence from such a high-profile contest inevitably prompted speculation over his mood and how he would react to watching from the sidelines.
However, information obtained by Al-Watan Sport suggests the Nantes forward handled the situation with notable maturity, placing the interests of the national team above any personal disappointment.
According to the same source, Mostafa Mohamed accepted the technical decision taken by head coach Hossam Hassan and his staff with an open mind, demonstrating a strong sense of responsibility despite the personal setback.
Those close to the squad reported that while the player was visibly affected by not being involved in the match, his reaction was not one of protest or frustration directed at the coaching staff.
Instead, the Egyptian international was described as calm and respectful throughout the build-up to the game and after the final whistle.
His disappointment was understood to stem from his intense desire to contribute on the pitch rather than from any sense of grievance over the coach’s call.
The encounter with South Africa carried considerable weight.
Egypt entered the game seeking a second straight victory in the group and delivered a disciplined performance to secure all three points, further strengthening their position at the summit of Group B.
With two wins from two matches, the Pharaohs now sit on six points and have become the first team in the tournament to guarantee qualification for the round of 16 in Morocco.
Within that context, the decision to omit Mostafa Mohamed was interpreted internally as a purely tactical choice, part of Hossam Hassan’s broader plan to manage his squad through a demanding group stage.
The striker’s acceptance of this reasoning was seen as a positive sign of unity within the camp, particularly as Egypt look to build momentum in the knockout phase.
Sources indicate that Mostafa Mohamed maintained his usual professional routine after the match, staying engaged with team activities and offering support to his teammates.
There were no reports of tension or discord in the dressing room, and the forward was said to have reiterated that collective success remains his priority.
This attitude has been welcomed by the Egyptian technical staff, who are keen to foster a culture in which squad players remain fully committed regardless of their role in a particular match.
With a packed schedule ahead and the physical demands of the Africa Cup of Nations mounting, rotation is expected to be a recurring feature of Egypt’s campaign.
For Mostafa Mohamed, the episode serves as a reminder of the competition for places in a squad brimming with attacking options.
His determination to contribute, even when sidelined, is viewed as an asset as the Pharaohs prepare for the next phase of the tournament.
As Egypt move forward from their hard-fought victory over South Africa, the focus remains firmly on maintaining the standards that have carried them to the top of Group B.
With qualification secured, the coming fixtures may yet offer Mostafa Mohamed the opportunity to translate his patience and professionalism into decisive moments on the field.
