Mohamed Salah to miss Egypt’s South Sudan qualifier and South Africa friendly

Mohamed Salah will not return to the Egypt camp after missing Tuesday’s Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifier against South Sudan, according to a source within the national team.

The Liverpool forward will also miss Egypt’s friendly against South Africa on 4 October, the source told FilGoal.com.

“Salah will not return to the Egypt national team camp to play the friendly against South Africa after the South Sudan match, which he will miss,” the source said.

The source had earlier confirmed that Salah left the camp on the morning of the announcement.

The Egyptian Football Association said Salah’s departure was linked to the playing surface in Juba, which is artificial turf. The decision to rest him for the South Sudan fixture was made by Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan.

The association said the coaching staff and Salah had agreed before the match against Angola that he would not play against South Sudan, with the decision taken to protect the player.

Salah was also absent from Egypt’s match against Mauritania in 2024 for the same reason.

Egypt began their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying campaign with a goalless draw against Angola. Salah started the game but was replaced in the 60th minute by Zizo.

Egypt are scheduled to face South Sudan at Juba Stadium in the second round of qualifying on 29 September, which falls on Tuesday.

Malawi lead Group B after beating South Sudan 2-1. Egypt will then face South Africa in a friendly on 4 October, at the end of the current international break.

Salah has played 24 matches under Hossam Hassan, scoring 12 goals and providing five assists.

Hossam has recorded 12 draws in 36 matches as Egypt manager. His record also includes 19 wins and five defeats.