# AFCON 2027 qualification preparations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/afcon-2027-qualification-preparations
> Updated: 2026-09-29T01:54:28.000Z. Sources: 49. Developments: 3.

African football teams are preparing for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. 

In Egypt, coach Hossam Hassan and the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) confirmed that captain Mohamed Salah would miss the qualifier against South Sudan in Juba to protect the 34-year-old from potential injury caused by the artificial turf at Juba National Stadium. Hassan clarified that the exclusion was a “mutual decision” and dismissed speculation regarding internal tensions following Salah’s substitution during a scoreless draw with Angola, asserting the squad maintains a relationship built on “respect and friendship.”

Despite Salah’s absence, Egypt secured a 5-0 victory over South Sudan. To support the squad during this period, Osama Faisal was called up. Hassan also addressed recent controversies regarding his comments on goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, asserting that his remarks were misunderstood and were intended to discuss the player’s shoulder injury rather than diminish his value. He expressed continued confidence in the squad and praised young striker Hamza Abdel Karim.

Separately, the Moroccan national team has arrived in Bloemfontein, South Africa, to prepare for their Group A match against Lesotho. Defender Nayef Aguerd remains in Morocco for recovery, while Ibrahim Diaz has returned to group training.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-29: Mohamed Salah rested for Egypt's South Sudan qualifier

Egypt captain Mohamed Salah missed the AFCON qualifier against South Sudan to avoid injury risks from the artificial turf pitch, a decision agreed upon by coach Hossam Hassan.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hossam-hassan-explains-mohamed-salahs-absence-from-south-sudan-match

### 2026-09-26: Mohamed Salah to miss Egypt's match against South Sudan

Egypt coach Hossam Hassan confirmed Mohamed Salah will miss the South Sudan qualifier as a precaution due to the artificial turf pitch.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mohamed-salah-to-miss-egypts-match-against-south-sudan

### 2026-09-26: Egypt and Morocco prepare for AFCON 2027 qualifiers

Egypt rests Mohamed Salah for the South Sudan qualifier due to artificial pitch concerns, while Morocco prepares in South Africa for their upcoming match against Lesotho in the AFCON 2027 qualifiers.

39 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mohamed-salah-to-miss-egypts-afcon-qualifier-against-south-sudan

---
Cite as: AFCON 2027 qualification preparations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/afcon-2027-qualification-preparations