Hossam Hassan and the Egypt national team coaching staff announced the decision to rest Salah for the upcoming match against Mauritania.
Egypt is set to face Mauritania on Tuesday in the fourth round of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers. The national team announced the decision to rest Salah after discussions between the coaching staff and the player.
In the press conference following the previous match against Mauritania in the third round, Hossam Hassan made a hinting remark saying: “If Salah or any player asks not to play on artificial turf, I will respect that. Mauritania plays aggressively, with tough challenges.”
Egypt secured a 2-0 victory over Mauritania at home, with goals from Trezeguet and Salah. Trezeguet’s goal marked his 21st for the national team, equaling Gamal Abdel-Hamid as the ninth top scorer in Egypt’s history.
As things stand, Egypt is at the top of the group with nine points, while Mauritania remains in fourth place, tied with Cape Verde in second place and Botswana in third.
All three are equal with three points but are separated by goal difference.Egypt now needs just one more point to secure qualification for the 2025 AFCON.
The return leg between Egypt and Mauritania is scheduled for Tuesday, October 15.
