Egypt confirm Salah's absence for crunch clash with Cape Verde at Cup of Nations

Egypt will negotiate Monday's must-win tie against Cape Verde without star player Mohamed Salah after the striker was ruled out for at least 10 days with a leg injury. 

Mohamed Salah sustained a hamstring injury during Egypt's 2-2 draw with Ghana. AP - Themba Hadebe

The 31-year-old limped off the field at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan just before half-time during his side's game against Ghana last Thursday.

Egypt twice came from behind to draw 2-2 but the stalemate means they need to beat Cape Verde to take second place in Group B and a berth in the last-16 knockout stages.

Monday night's opponents assured themselves of top spot in the pool when they swept past Mozambique 3-0 on Friday afternoon.

A few hours after the victory, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) said X-rays on Salah's left leg confirmed a muscle strain.

“He will miss the team’s next two matches ... against Cape Verde and then the round of 16 match in the event of qualification,” the EFA said on X.

Egypt, who lost to Senegal on penalties in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations final, entered the tournament in Cote d'Ivoire as one of the favourites.

But their initial performance belied the hype. They needed Salah to convert a second-half stoppage time penalty against Mozamabique to salvage a 2-2 draw.

While Egypt boss Rui Vitoria goes into the final Group B game worrying about tactical tweaks and reconfigurations, Bubista, his Cape Verde counterpart, will be able to enjoy the luxury of resting players.  

"We didn't want to get into calculations," he said after the win over Mozambique. "It's a victory that's enormously good for us, especially for our confidence.

"Will I rotate my squad against Egypt? We'll see what strengths we need to spare and there'll be a clearer answer nearer the match."

Should Egypt draw or lose, Ghana or Mozambique, who play on Monday night at the Alassane Outtara Stadium, can pip them to second place with a victory.