AFCON 2027 qualifiers: South Sudan coach Nsengi-Biembe says Mohamed Salah absence will not alter Egypt approach

South Sudan coach Christian Nsiengi says his team will not change its approach for Tuesday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Egypt, despite the absence of Mohamed Salah.

Egypt, who drew 0-0 with Angola in their opening match at Cairo Stadium, face South Sudan in the second round of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

South Sudan lost 2-1 to Malawi in their opening fixture, but Nsiengi believes the match against Egypt offers his players an opportunity to show they can compete with Africa’s stronger national teams.

“We know we will face a very big African team with a great deal of experience and technical quality, as well as players accustomed to competing at the highest level,” Nsiengi told FilGoal.com.

“We have great respect for Egypt, but we are playing at home. We want to show a different image of South Sudan and approach the match with a strong character.”

Asked about the absence of Salah, Nsiengi acknowledged the significance of the Liverpool forward to Egypt but said his side’s preparations would remain unchanged.

“Mohamed Salah is certainly an exceptional player, and his absence is important for Egypt, but we are not preparing for a match against just one player,” he said.

“For us, this does not change our philosophy. We must respect the opponent as a whole and remain focused on our own game plan. Our aim is to produce a serious, disciplined and brave performance.”

Nsiengi said South Sudan’s broader objective was to establish a clear identity and become a team that opponents would find difficult to face.

“Our first objective is to develop this team and build a clear identity for it,” he added. “We want South Sudan to become a respected national side, one that is difficult to play against and capable of competing with the strong teams in Africa.”

The coach described the meeting with Egypt as an important test for his squad, while insisting South Sudan were not content simply to take part.

“Facing Egypt is a great opportunity for our players to show their abilities, but we do not want merely to participate,” he said. “We want to prove that we have a place in this competition.”

South Sudan are in Group B alongside Egypt, Angola and Malawi, with Nsiengi stressing the importance of maintaining perspective throughout the campaign.

“We are certainly ambitious, but I believe we must remain humble and take each match as it comes,” he said. “In a group containing Egypt, Angola and Malawi, every point will be important.”

“We will fight for the shirt, for our country and for all the people of South Sudan. We cannot promise you the result, but we can promise that the team will give everything on the pitch.”