2027 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers: Why Mohamed Salah won't be going to South Sudan

Egypt will have to do without Mohamed Salah for their second match in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The Egyptian striker will not travel to Juba to face South Sudan on Tuesday, September 29, due to the artificial turf of the stadium in the South Sudanese capital.

The Egyptian Football Association confirmed that its star player had withdrawn from the squad, explaining that the decision was made to protect his physical well-being. An agreement had been reached between the player and the coaching staff before the start of the training camp to avoid exposing him to the risks associated with the playing surface.

"The Egyptian national team's coaching staff has decided to rest Mohamed Salah for the match against South Sudan due to the playing surface," the Egyptian Football Association stated. The staff reportedly prioritized this precaution to protect the player.

Salah is not the only key Egyptian player to miss this match. OGC Nice's central defender, Mohamed Abdelmonem, has also been ruled out. His absence is due to a previous anterior cruciate ligament surgery. The French club has reportedly issued medical recommendations advising caution regarding his potential participation on an artificial pitch.

Despite this double setback, the Pharaohs will need to quickly regroup after their disappointing start. Egypt were held to a 0-0 draw by Angola on Friday in Cairo, with Mohamed Salah starting before being substituted after about an hour of play.

On an individual level, the Egyptian striker has had an excellent start to the season with Trabzonspor, whom he joined this summer after nine years at Liverpool. He already has seven goals and two assists in six league matches.

With only one point taken on the first day, Egypt provisionally occupies second place in Group B. After their trip to South Sudan, the Egyptian national team will play a friendly match against South Africa on October 4, before resuming the qualifiers for the 2027 AFCON during the next international window, in November.