After his attack on El-Shenawy: a surprise statement from Hossam Hassan regarding Salah

What did the manager say about Egypt's captain?

Hossam Hassan, the Egypt manager, raised eyebrows with his explanation for substituting captain Mohamed Salah against Angola in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Pharaohs dropped two points on Friday night, held to a 0-0 draw by visitors Angola in the first round of the African qualifiers.

Hassan pulled Salah off an hour into the match, sparking speculation that his talisman had picked up an injury.

Asked about the change in his press conference, he said: "Substituting Salah was down to a tactical decision in line with the requirements and flow of the match."

His comments on Salah follow criticism of Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy in the press conference before the game.

"At one point Mohamed El-Shenawy was finished, and was not playing with his club, yet he returned to his level through the Egypt national team," Hassan said. "He was not the only one, but other players too."

Group Two of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers features Egypt, Angola, Malawi and South Sudan.

Next up for Egypt is a trip to face South Sudan in the second round of qualifying on Tuesday.

Hassan's side will also take on South Africa in a friendly before the international break ends, on Sunday 4 October at the Cairo Stadium.