The armband succession: The 5 veterans tasked with leading Egypt without Mohamed Salah

29.09.26 09:00 AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

South Sudan

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Egypt

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Egypt national team have established their captaincy hierarchy for Tuesday's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Sudan, with defender Ramy Rabia set to wear the armband in the absence of Mohamed Salah.

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The Five-Man captaincy order

According to a national team source speaking to Egyptian sports outlet Btolat, the technical staff has finalised the seniority list for the fixture in Juba. With Salah unavailable, veteran centre back Ramy Rabia will lead the Pharaohs onto the pitch as first captain.

Should Rabia be substituted or miss any part of the match, left-back Karim Hafez is designated as the second captain in line. Right-back Mohamed Hany stands as third choice, followed by Zamalek left-back Ahmed Fatouh in fourth while winger Ahmed Sayed "Zizo" completes the 5 man leadership group.

Salah's absence and group standings

The captaincy shuffle comes after the Egyptian Football Association confirmed that Salah would be rested for the second matchday fixture.

The decision was reached by mutual agreement to avoid exposing the forward to the injury risks associated with playing on South Sudan's artificial playing surface.

The fixture, scheduled to kick off at 1:00 PM GMT on Tuesday, marks a crucial early test in Egypt's qualification pathway. The Pharaohs are competing in a group that features Angola, South Sudan and Malawi making leadership and experience essential as they target their first victory of the qualifying campaign following an opening-round draw.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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South Sudan

Egypt

AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations