Cairo, Egypt (Running Africa) — Egypt will be without Mohamed Salah for Tuesday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Sudan in Juba, with the forward being rested because the match will be played on artificial turf.

The Egyptian Football Association said the decision was agreed between Salah and the national team’s technical staff before Egypt opened their qualifying campaign against Angola on Friday.

The coaching staff decided against taking the 34-year-old to Juba as a precaution over the potential injury risk associated with the artificial surface at Juba Stadium.

Mohamed Salah Not Injured, Hossam Hassan Says

Salah started Egypt’s goalless draw against Angola in Cairo but was substituted midway through the second half.

Egypt coach Hossam Hassan said after the match that the substitution was a tactical decision and confirmed Salah was not injured.

His absence against South Sudan is therefore a precautionary measure rather than the result of an existing fitness problem.

Salah Makes Strong Start at Trabzonspor

Salah has been in strong form since joining Turkish club Trabzonspor following his departure from Liverpool.

The Egyptian forward has scored seven goals and provided two assists in six Turkish Super Lig appearances this season.

Egypt will now have to navigate their first away fixture of the AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign without their captain and leading attacker.

Egypt Face South Sudan in AFCON 2027 Qualifier

Egypt and South Sudan are competing in Group B alongside Angola and Malawi.

After beginning their campaign with a goalless draw against Angola, the Pharaohs will be looking for their first qualifying victory when they face South Sudan in Juba.

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.