Hossam Hassan explains Mohamed Salah's absence against South Sudan and dismisses rift rumours

Mohamed Salah will sit out Egypt's match against South Sudan on Tuesday, the second fixture of their Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign. Head coach Hossam Hassan has moved to dismiss speculation of a rift with the forward, explaining that the absence is down to the artificial playing surface and was agreed well in advance.

• Egypt travel to South Sudan after drawing 0-0 with Angola in their Group B opener.
• Hossam Hassan says resting Salah was agreed before the Angola game because of the artificial pitch.
• The manager has denied any conflict and describes Salah as a key pillar of the team.
• Salah has scored seven goals in eight appearances for Trabzonspor since leaving Liverpool.

How the draw with Angola sparked debate over Salah's substitution

The controversy started after the seven-time African champions were held to a goalless draw by Angola in their opening Group B match. Salah was subbed off midway through the second half and left the camp the following day, fuelling speculation in the Egyptian media about a possible breakdown in his relationship with the coaching staff.

Hassan had previously described that substitution as a technical decision, an explanation that failed to convince much of the local press, especially considering the strong form the forward has shown since his switch to Turkish football. The debate was further fueled by earlier comments from the manager about senior players, including goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, whom he once claimed looked finished at a certain point, raising questions about the mood inside the dressing room.

What Hossam Hassan said about Salah's absence against South Sudan

Before the squad travelled to Juba, the coach struck a conciliatory tone and underlined the 34-year-old's importance to Egypt's plans. "I respect all the players, especially Mohamed Salah. He is an important and influential player, one of the team's key pillars, a great player and a vital member of the squad, as well as one of the best players in the world," he said.

Hassan explained that the decision to leave Salah out of the South Sudan game was made jointly before the Angola fixture, with the main issue being the artificial turf. "We decided to rest Salah because of the artificial pitch. He had discussed the matter with me before the Angola match, and we agreed on it," the manager stated.

The coach stressed that the wellbeing of every player is his top priority and made it clear Egypt will need Salah for the upcoming matches. His comments are aimed at putting an end to a story that has dominated Egyptian football news in recent days.

Egypt's target in the AFCON 2027 qualification campaign

Egypt head into their trip to South Sudan looking for a first win in this qualification phase. The opening draw against Angola left Hassan's side in an uncomfortable spot in Group B, making three points in Juba essential to put their bid for the next Africa Cup of Nations back on track.

The continental tournament will be staged in 2027 across three East African nations: Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Egypt, one of the most decorated sides in African football with seven titles, are aiming to secure their place in the finals and compete for continental glory once again.

Salah's strong start in Turkey after leaving Liverpool

At 34, Salah is determined to prove he can still operate at the highest level after closing a nine-year spell at Liverpool last summer. His move to Trabzonspor has produced immediate numbers, with seven goals in his first eight official appearances for the Turkish club.

The Egyptian forward has quickly become the main attacking reference for his new side, and his current form suggests he will be a central figure for Egypt in the remaining qualifiers. Expectation is high around his return to the national team fold once the match on the artificial surface is out of the way.

What South Sudan's artificial pitch means for Egypt

The game will take place in Juba, South Sudan's capital, in a setting defined by the conditions of the playing surface. The artificial turf has shaped the Egyptian coaching staff's planning, with Hassan opting to protect Salah from a pitch that can punish the muscles of elite footballers.

Egypt are clear favourites against a South Sudanese side with far less pedigree in African football. Even so, upsets against supposedly weaker opponents are far from rare in qualification campaigns, and Hassan's team know they cannot afford another setback if they want to stay in the race for a place at the AFCON finals.

We need Salah in the upcoming matches. The wellbeing of every player is my top priority, and I have great confidence in all of them.

Frequently asked questions about Mohamed Salah's Egypt absence