The technical staff, led by Hossam Hassan, agreed with Salah before Friday’s 0-0 draw with Angola that he would sit out the trip to Juba Stadium. The EFA said the decision was taken to protect the player. Artificial pitches carry a higher injury risk than natural grass.
Salah started against Angola at the Cairo International Stadium but was substituted in the second half. The two-time African Footballer of the Year joined Trabzonspor from Liverpool last month.
He has 68 goals for Egypt, one short of Hassan’s national record of 69.
Egypt sit on one point in Group B with Angola after the opening stalemate. Malawi beat South Sudan 2-1 on Friday. The 2027 finals will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
Egypt have not won the Africa Cup of Nations since 2010, despite a record seven titles. Hassan’s side must now try to take three points in Juba without their leading scorer.
The Pharaohs will name a squad for the artificial surface without Salah. The next qualifier after South Sudan will decide how costly the rest proves.