Salah rested for South Sudan qualifier over artificial pitch
Egypt’s captain sits out the 29 September AFCON 2027 qualifier in Juba after the staff and player agreed to protect him.
Mohamed Salah will not play in Egypt’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Sudan on 29 September. The decision was taken by the national team’s technical staff together with the player, because of concerns about the artificial pitch at the stadium in Juba.
The Egyptian Football Association said the choice was made to protect Salah, as artificial surfaces carry a higher risk of injury than natural grass. Coach Hossam Hassan said Salah had raised the issue before the opening qualifier against Angola, and that they had agreed on it then.
The decision came days after Egypt were held 0–0 by Angola in Cairo, a match in which Salah was substituted in the second half. Do you agree with the call?
