The Egyptian national football team flew to eSwatini Sunday morning ahead of facing the country’s team in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Pharaohs crushed eSwatini 4-1 at home on Friday in the third round of the qualifiers, while the return match will be on Tuesday.

“Twenty three players will be travelling to eSwatini after the exclusion of injured winger Mohamed Salah and the fourth goalkeeper Mohamed Abou-Gabal,” read a statement by the Egyptian Football Association (EFA).

Coach Javier Aguirre had decided to allow Liverpool star Salah to return to his club to give him extra rest, though medical scans revealed that getting him ready for Tuesday's match would be difficult. The former Chelsea and Roma player picked up a muscle injury during the home win for eSwatini.

Midfielder Mohamed Elneny and left back Amro Tarek travelled with the team despite suffering muscle problems during Friday’s match as they still have a chance to be fit for the return leg.

After Friday's victory, Egypt are co-leaders of Group J alongside Tunisia with 6 points each.

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