Egypt Sports Minister moves to settle Mohamed Salah-Hossam Hassan impasse

Egypt’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Gawhar Nabil, has intervened in the recent issues surrounding the national team and is working to restore calm ahead of their crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Sudan.

Ministry of Youth and Sports spokesman Mohamed El Shazly confirmed that the minister has contacted the key parties involved following a turbulent few days around the Pharaohs.

The Egyptian national team has been dealing with several issues, including coach Hossam Hassan’s comments regarding goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy and Mohamed Salah’s departure from the national team camp.

El Shazly said the minister has already contacted Egyptian Football Association president Hani Abu Rida as well as members of the national team’s technical staff.

“The Minister of Youth and Sports intervened to resolve the crisis raised in the Egyptian national team,” El Shazly said.

He added: “The Minister of Youth and Sports contacted Hani Abu Rida, the head of the Football Association, as well as the national team’s coaching staff, and asked everyone to remain calm and focus on the South Sudan match.”

According to the ministry spokesman, the minister plans to meet with the different parties involved after Egypt’s fixture in order to address the issues and restore stability within the national team.

“The Minister of Youth and Sports will meet with all parties involved in the crisis within the Egyptian national team, following the Sudan match, in order to restore calm once again,” he added.

El Shazly also revealed that the minister intends to speak directly with Salah in an effort to resolve the situation involving the national team captain and the coaching staff.

“The Minister of Sports will certainly contact Mohamed Salah to resolve his crisis with the coaching staff of the Egyptian national team,” he said.

The intervention comes ahead of Egypt’s second Group B fixture against South Sudan at Juba City Stadium on Tuesday.

The Pharaohs are under pressure to claim their first victory of the qualifying campaign after being held to a goalless draw by Angola in their opening match in Cairo.

South Sudan, meanwhile, lost their opening fixture 2-1 to Malawi, leaving Egypt needing a positive result in Juba to strengthen their position in the group.

Egypt are competing in Group B alongside South Sudan, Angola and Malawi, with the top two teams eventually securing qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.