Egypt coach Hassan says team must not depend on Salah — The National

Egypt’s national team thrashed the hosts 5-0 in Juba, South Sudan, in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match, playing without their captain Mohamed Salah. Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan said the national team should not depend on one footballer, The National reports.

Five goals in Juba

Egypt opened the scoring in the 36th minute when Mostafa Ziko converted a cross from defender Ahmed Fattouh. Shortly after the break, Omar Marmoush doubled the lead after breaking through on goal following a long pass from Mohanad Lasheen.

In the 75th minute, substitute Ibrahim Adel scored the third goal. Seven minutes before the end of regular time, Marmoush completed his brace. In stoppage time, Barcelona’s young player Hamza Abdelkarim scored his first goal for the national team, having replaced Marmoush several minutes earlier.

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Salah’s absence

The Egyptian Football Association said Salah had been allowed to miss the match to avoid the risk of injury on an artificial surface. At the same time, Hassan said the Trabzonspor player had not been included in the squad for personal reasons, without clarifying whether he had left the team camp.

The coach said he was satisfied with the result and the players’ performance, including those who came on as substitutes. According to him, the match remained difficult because of the high temperature and the artificial pitch unfamiliar to the Egyptians.

In their first Group B match, Egypt drew 0-0 with Angola in Cairo. The team’s next game will be a friendly against South Africa on October 4 in Cairo.