After Mohamed Salah, Another Egypt Player Leaves During 2027 AFCON Qualifiers
After Mohamed Salah's departure, another Egypt player leaves during the 2027 AFCON Qualifiers. The case is reportedly linked to Nice and artificial turf.
Egypt's squad once again came under the spotlight during the 2027 AFCON Qualifiers. After the departure of Mohamed Salah, another international player left the team before the international break was completed.
That player is Mohamed Abdelmonem, a defender for Nice in Ligue 1, whose departure was confirmed by the French club. At first, the decision was presented as an agreement to protect the player's physical condition, although reports later emerged of a possible disagreement with Egypt's coaching staff.
The Decision That May Have Triggered the Conflict
The source of the tension reportedly involved the match against South Sudan, which was played on artificial turf. Nice had requested that Abdelmonem not take part because of the playing conditions and the player's ongoing recovery process.
However, according to reports, Hossam Hassan and Ibrahim Hassan wanted the defender to remain with the squad and travel to South Sudan, even if he ultimately did not play. Abdelmonem refused to travel and stayed in Egypt.
That decision reportedly increased the coaching staff's frustration. Following negotiations between the club and the national team, it was agreed that the defender would return to France and also miss the upcoming friendly against South Africa.
Nice Explains Why Abdelmonem Returned to France
Nice confirmed that Abdelmonem's departure was agreed by mutual consent with Egypt's coaching staff. The club explained that the goal was to preserve the player's physical condition and well-being, particularly given the characteristics of the playing surface.
The French club also thanked the national team for its cooperation and said Abdelmonem would continue working with Nice to prepare for his upcoming challenges. The defender is looking to maintain his progress after recovering from a significant knee injury.
Meanwhile, Egypt secured a 5-0 win over South Sudan after opening their qualifying campaign with a 0-0 draw against Angola.
Salah's Case Raises More Questions Around Egypt
The departure of Mohamed Abdelmonem came just days after Mohamed Salah also left the squad following the draw against Angola. The Egyptian Football Association explained that the forward would not play the following match because of the artificial turf conditions.
Mohamed Abdelmonem El Sayed Mohamed Ahmed
Egypt
