Mohamed Salah sets Egypt scoring record in 5-0 win over Malawi

Mohamed Salah scored twice as Egypt routed Malawi 5‑0 in Cairo on Friday, becoming the Pharaohs’ all‑time leading scorer with 70 goals. The 34‑year‑old former Liverpool forward headed in the 84th‑minute winner and sealed the tally with a penalty in added time. In the same round of Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Tunisia suffered a 2‑0 home defeat to Libya, leaving the North African side at the bottom of Group H.

The Egypt win came just days after the federation dismissed coach Hossam Hassan and installed Ali Maher as his replacement. Maher’s first match saw early goals from Nasser Maher, Omar Marmoush and Mohamed Hany, giving Egypt a comfortable 3‑0 lead at halftime. The victory lifts Egypt to seven points from three games, three ahead of Angola in Group B. Tunisia’s loss is a blow to a team that has qualified for every AFCON since 1994; a venue change earlier in the campaign forces them to play the rest of their fixtures away.

Other qualifiers produced notable results. Morocco, the Group A leaders, crushed Niger 5‑1 in Casablanca, with Achraf Hakimi netting a brace. Nigeria rebounded from a 3‑0 loss in Guinea‑Bissau by beating Tanzania 3‑1 in Uyo, thanks to two goals from substitute Tolu Arokodaro, who has scored six times in his last five matches for Ajax. Nigeria now sit on six points, one behind Guinea‑Bissau, and have a clear path to the tournament after upcoming wins over Tanzania, Madagascar and a home game against Guinea‑Bissau. Kenya rescued a 2‑2 draw in South Africa, while Tanzania, despite a winless run, are already guaranteed a spot at the 2027 AFCON as co‑hosts with Kenya and Uganda.

The next round of fixtures will decide which teams join the 24‑nation finals. Egypt must maintain its momentum to secure top spot in Group B, while Tunisia faces a daunting task of winning three away games to stay in contention. Libya’s victory lifts them to a share of the Group H lead with Uganda, turning the group into a tight race. The outcomes will shape the final lineup for the first AFCON staged in East Africa since Ethiopia hosted in 1976.