Key Takeaways
- Mohamed Salah will not travel with Egypt’s squad for the South Sudan qualifier.
- The decision was made due to the artificial turf pitch at Juba Stadium.
- Salah did not complete the match against Angola due to the playing surface.
Mohamed Salah, the star player of Egypt’s national team, will not participate in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Sudan, according to the Egyptian Football Association (EFA).
The decision was announced on Saturday, following a goalless draw against Angola in their opening qualifier at Cairo International Stadium.
Coach Hossam Hassan substituted Salah midway through the second half of the Angola match, citing concerns about the artificial turf surface at Juba Stadium, where the South Sudan qualifier will be held on September 29.
EFA stated that the technical staff had agreed with Salah before the Angola match that he would not play against South Sudan to protect the player.
Salah, who recently joined Turkey’s Trabzonspor from Liverpool, was initially rested during the Angola match due to the surface conditions.
The match between South Sudan and Egypt is scheduled to take place at Juba Stadium, which is known for its artificial turf surface.
EFA’s decision to rest Salah for the upcoming qualifier underscores the importance of protecting the health and well-being of its star players, especially when facing challenging playing conditions.
