Hassan reveals Salah rested for South Sudan qualifier over artificial pitch concerns

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has moved to quash speculation over Mohamed Salah’s relationship with the national side, revealing the forward was rested for Tuesday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Sudan in Juba because of concerns about the artificial pitch.

The omission had fuelled domestic media debate following Egypt’s 0-0 draw with Angola in their Group B opener, a match in which Salah was substituted midway through the second half before leaving camp the next day. Hassan’s explanation at the time — that the change was made for “technical reasons” — only deepened the speculation.

“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,” Hassan told reporters ahead of the squad’s departure for Juba.

The coach was emphatic in underlining Salah’s standing within the squad, pushing back against suggestions of any underlying tension. “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 team, as well as one of the best players in the world,” he said.

The rift rumours had also been fed by earlier comments Hassan made about senior players, including goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, whom the coach had previously described as someone who “at one point was finished” — remarks that raised questions about squad morale more broadly.

Hassan was clear that Salah remains central to Egypt’s plans going forward. “We need Salah in the upcoming matches. The well-being of every player is my top priority, and I have great confidence in all the players,” he added.

Egypt are still searching for their first win of the qualification campaign as they bid to reach the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations finals, co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. A point from their opener leaves them needing a positive result against South Sudan to keep pace in Group B.

Salah, 34, joined Turkish club Trabzonspor this summer after nine years at Liverpool and has wasted little time making an impact in his new surroundings, scoring seven goals in eight appearances across all competitions.