Egypt name attacking line-up for Ali Maher’s first match against Malawi

Egypt head coach Ali Maher has selected an attacking side for his first official game in charge as the Pharaohs host Malawi in the third round of 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying.

The match will be played at Cairo International Stadium on Friday, with kick-off at 21:00 Cairo time and 22:00 in Mecca.

Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush and Mahmoud Trezeguet lead the attack, while Ahmed Sayed Zizo and Nasser Maher have been included in midfield to support the forward players.

It is the first official appearance for Egypt’s new coaching staff under Ali Maher, who took charge less than 48 hours before the start of the Pharaohs’ current training camp.

Egypt’s starting XI is:

Goalkeeper: Mostafa Shobeir

Defenders: Mohamed Hany, Rami Rabia, Hossam Abdel Meguid, Ahmed Fattouh

Midfielders: Mohand Lasheen, Ahmed Sayed Zizo, Nasser Maher

Forwards: Mahmoud Trezeguet, Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush

The selection reflects Maher’s intention to attack from the outset, with Salah, Marmoush and Trezeguet offering pace, creativity and finishing ability in the final third.

Zizo is also expected to move forward from midfield and add to Egypt’s attacking numbers, while Mohand Lasheen provides the balance in the centre of the pitch.

At the back, Rami Rabia and Hossam Abdel Meguid are set to form the central defensive partnership, with Mohamed Hany and Ahmed Fattouh covering the right and left sides respectively.

Egypt’s position in Group B

Egypt begin the match at the top of Group B with four points. They opened their qualifying campaign with a goalless draw against Angola before recording a 5-0 victory over South Sudan in the second round.

Angola also have four points, but Egypt lead the group on goal difference. Malawi are third with three points, while South Sudan are bottom without a point.

The fixture is particularly significant for Maher as he attempts to make a winning start in his new role and keep Egypt at the summit. The Pharaohs will face Malawi twice during the current international break, with the return fixture scheduled to take place in Malawi next Tuesday in the fourth round of qualifying.

The top two teams in the group will qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania from 19 June to 17 July 2027.

Egypt are aiming to secure qualification early as they continue their pursuit of a return to continental success. The Pharaohs have won the Africa Cup of Nations seven times, a record for the tournament.