Egypt coach Hossam Hassan says Mohamed Salah was rested for South Sudan match due to artificial turf

Egypt's national football team coach Hossam Hassan has clarified that star forward Mohamed Salah was rested for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Sudan because the match will be played on an artificial turf pitch. The decision was agreed with Salah before the team's opening qualifier against Angola, which ended in a goalless draw. Hassan's comments came after speculation about a rift between him and Salah. Egypt is seeking its first victory in the qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations finals.