Mohamed Salah has been benched by Egypt for their final Africa Cup of Nations group game against Angola. The Liverpool forward scored the winning goal in each of the Pharaohs' opening two matches against Zimbabwe and South Africa.
With his solitary strike from the penalty spot clinching Egypt's place in the knock-out stages with a game to spare, head coach Hossam Hassan opted to make wholesale changes and name an entirely different starting XI for their final group clash with Angola.
While the decision to rest Salah is understandable, it marks the sixth time the 33-year-old has not been included in the starting XI for club or country from their last eight games that he has been available for selection. Arne Slot dropped Salah for Liverpool's clashes with West Ham United, Sunderland and Leeds United, with the forward an unused substitute against the Hammers and Whites while he was introduced at half-time against the Black Cats.
Having beaten South Africa, who are the only side in Group B who can still match Egypt's current total of six points, the Pharaohs are also already guaranteed top spot. Their AFCON campaign will continue in Agadir on January 5 where they will face the third-placed side from Group A, C or D.
With Egypt now through to the knockout stages, Salah will definitely miss Liverpool's clashes with Leeds United on New Year's Day and Fulham on January 4. If the Pharaohs were to be knocked out in the round-of-16, the forward could potentially return for the Reds in time to feature for their trip to Arsenal on January 8.
