Egypt vs Angola: 0-0 Draw Sparks Mohamed Salah Exit and National Team Storm

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification campaign began on a tense note for the Pharaohs. On 26 September 2026, the match between Egypt vs Angola ended in a 0-0 draw at the Cairo International Stadium, but the result was overshadowed by a burgeoning crisis within the Egyptian national team camp.

Mohamed Salah's Abrupt Departure

The primary source of controversy stems from the handling of captain Mohamed Salah. During the match, head coach Hossam Hassan substituted Salah in the 60th minute. While Hassan maintained that the decision was "purely tactical" and confirmed that the player was not injured, the move sparked immediate speculation [1].

Following the goalless draw, reports indicated that Salah left the national team camp quietly. According to journalist Ahmed Abdel Baset, the captain refused to engage with the media or the escalating crisis, amid reports of significant tension in the dressing room [1].

The EFA's Clarification and Pitch Concerns

To manage the fallout, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) issued a statement clarifying the situation regarding Salah's availability for future fixtures. The EFA revealed that Salah and the coaching staff had a pre-existing agreement that he would sit out the subsequent match against South Sudan. This decision was specifically made to protect the player from the risks associated with playing on a "turf" pitch [1].

Wider Squad Friction: The El Shenawy Dispute

The tension extends beyond the Salah situation. Coach Hossam Hassan has faced sharp criticism for his communication style, particularly regarding the omission of Al Ahly captain and goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy from the squad. Hassan stated that El Shenawy was left out for technical reasons, but he also claimed to have previously helped the goalkeeper regain his form when he was not at his best [3].

This remark drew a public rebuke from former Al Ahly goalkeeper Sherif Ekramy, who argued that while a coach has the right to make technical exclusions, describing a player as having been "finished" and claiming personal credit for their revival turns a professional decision into a personal favour [3]. Former goalkeeper Ikrami El-Shahat also described Hassan's remarks as a "misstep," suggesting the coach should not boast about the good he offers to players [2].