Salah’s Absence from Egypt’s Squad

Reason for Absence

Commander Mohamed Salah was absent from the Egypt squad preparing to face Cape Verde and Botswana in the qualifiers for the African Cup of Nations, while coach Hossam Hassan included many young faces, especially in the defense line.

Upcoming Matches

Egypt, which secured qualification for the tournament held in Morocco, will host Cape Verde on November 15, four days before hosting Botswana.

Changes in the Squad

The absence of Liverpool striker Salah gave him rest, giving Eintracht Frankfurt striker Omar Marmoush and Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed the opportunity to lead the front line for Egypt, which has won the African Cup a record seven times.

Defensive Changes

Coach Hassan included the duo, Mohamed Rabiaa, Smouha player, and Hossam Abdel Majeed, Zamalek player, in defense to compensate for the absence of Rami Rabiaa, Al-Ahly defender, and Mohamed Abdel Moneim, Nice player, due to injury.

Other Squad Changes

Al-Ahly winger Taher Mohamed Taher and his teammate Omar Kamal, in addition to Zamalek midfielder Nabil Emad (Dunga), returned to the squad, and Mahmoud Abdel Hafeez (Zalaka), the Ceramica Cleopatra player, also appeared for the first time.

Squad Lineup

Below is Egypt’s lineup:

Goalkeeper

Mohamed El-Shenawy – Mahdi Suleiman – Mohamed Awad – Mustafa Schubert

Defenders

Ahmed Ramadan – Hossam Abdel Majeed – Hamdi Fathi – Mohamed Rabiaa – Mohamed Hamdy – Ahmed Nabil (Coca) – Ahmed Eid – Mohamed Shehata

Midfielders

Mahmoud Saber – Omar Kamal – Marawan Attia – Mahmoud Hassan (Trezeguet) – Nabil Imad (Dunga) – Nasser Maher – Mustafa Fathi – Taher Mohamed Taher – Omar Marmoush – Ibrahim Adel – Mahmoud Abdel Hafeez (Zalaka)

Conclusion

Coach Hassan’s decision to rest Salah and include young players in the squad is an attempt to give them valuable experience and prepare them for the future. Egypt is confident in its ability to secure a win against Cape Verde and Botswana, and the team’s lineup shows a mix of experience and youth.

FAQs

Q: Why did Mohamed Salah not make the squad?
A: Mohamed Salah was given rest and did not make the squad for the matches against Cape Verde and Botswana.

Q: Who led the front line for Egypt in Salah’s absence?
A: Eintracht Frankfurt striker Omar Marmoush and Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed led the front line for Egypt in Salah’s absence.

Q: Who were the new additions to the squad?
A: Mohamed Rabiaa, Smouha player, and Hossam Abdel Majeed, Zamalek player, were new additions to the defense, while Mahmoud Abdel Hafeez (Zalaka), the Ceramica Cleopatra player, made his debut for the team.