Mohamed Salah helps Egypt match 23-year scoring record in Malawi rout

Egypt scored five or more goals in consecutive Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying matches for the first time since June 2003 after beating Malawi 5-0 at Cairo International Stadium.

The result followed a 5-0 victory over South Sudan and extended Egypt’s run of attacking form after they began the current campaign with a goalless draw against Angola.

The Pharaohs last achieved the feat more than 23 years ago. In June 2003, they defeated Mauritius 7-0 on 8 June before beating Madagascar 6-0 on 20 June, scoring at least five goals in successive qualifying matches.

Friday’s win also strengthened Mohamed Salah’s position among Africa’s leading international goalscorers. The Egypt captain took his tally for the national team to 70 goals, moving into third place in the all-time list for senior men’s internationals, according to French network stats foot.

Zambian striker Godfrey Chitalu leads the rankings with 79 goals, followed by former Malawi player Kinnah Phiri on 71. Salah is third, ahead of former Egypt manager Hossam Hassan on 69 and Ivory Coast great Didier Drogba on 65.

Salah’s latest goals mean he has surpassed Hassan’s long-standing record as Egypt’s highest-scoring player.

Egypt establish early control

Egypt made a fast start in Cairo and nearly went ahead in the fifth minute when Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet, played in by Salah, sent his effort narrowly wide of the right post.

The opening goal arrived a minute later, with Nasser Maher finding the net. Omar Marmoush doubled the advantage four minutes afterwards, leaving Malawi under sustained pressure.

Egypt continued to dominate possession and looked to exploit the spaces behind the Malawi defence. The visitors did threaten in the 22nd minute when Richard Mbulu struck a powerful shot, but goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir produced a strong save to preserve his clean sheet.

Hossam Abdelmegid was booked in the 24th minute, while Maher came close to adding a second in the 27th minute when his long-range effort went just past the left post.

Egypt’s third goal arrived in the 38th minute. Mohamed Hany found the corner of the net with a powerful shot from outside the penalty area, giving the hosts a commanding lead before half-time.

Malawi were unable to build a sustained response after the interval, with much of the second half played in midfield as Egypt maintained control.

Salah finally added his name to the scoresheet in the 84th minute, heading in an accurate cross from substitute Ibrahim Adel.

He then completed the scoring from the penalty spot in the fifth minute of stoppage time after Hamza Abdelkarim, the Barcelona striker, was fouled to earn the spot-kick.

The victory moved Egypt to seven points and top of the group after three matches. Malawi remain third on three points.