Egypt coach Hossam Hassan moves to soothe Salah dispute before South Sudan match
Coach Hossam Hassan said the decision to sit Mohamed Salah out of the South Sudan qualifier was pre-agreed and stressed the striker’s importance to the team.
Media debate intensified when Mohamed Salah did not feature in Egypt’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier versus South Sudan, following his substitution in the opening match against Angola. Coach Hossam Hassan clarified that the decision to rest Salah was mutually decided before the Angola fixture because of the artificial pitch, not a disciplinary measure. He highlighted Salah’s status as an influential player and a vital component of the team’s plans.
Hassan also addressed earlier remarks about senior players, including goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, and emphasized respect for the entire squad. The Egyptian side aims for its first win in the qualifying campaign as it seeks a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
Why it matters
The clarification could ease squad tension and affect Egypt’s chances of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
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