Mohamed Salah scores twice as Egypt begin Ali Maher era with 5-0 win

Egypt made a perfect start to Ali Maher’s reign as head coach with a 5-0 victory over Malawi in their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifier at Cairo International Stadium.

The result in Group B moved Egypt to seven points from three matches and left them top of the section. Malawi remain third on three points.

Egypt began with clear attacking intent and almost took the lead after five minutes when Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet met a pass from Mohamed Salah, but his effort went narrowly wide of the right post.

The opening goal arrived a minute later. Nasser Maher found the net in the sixth minute, before Omar Marmoush doubled the advantage four minutes afterwards to put the hosts firmly in control.

Egypt continued to dominate possession and looked to exploit space as they pressed for more goals. Malawi showed signs of a response in the 22nd minute when Richard Mbulu struck a powerful effort towards goal, but Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir made an excellent save to preserve his clean sheet.

Hossam Abdel-Maguid was booked in the 24th minute, while Nasser Maher remained a threat in the final third. He came close to scoring his second goal in the 27th minute, sending a powerful effort from outside the penalty area just beyond the left post.

Egypt added a third goal 38 minutes into the match. Mohamed Hany fired a long-range shot into the net, giving the hosts a three-goal lead before half-time.

Salah completes Egypt’s rout

Egypt retained control after the interval, with Malawi unable to create sustained danger. Much of the play was concentrated in midfield as the visitors struggled to turn possession into opportunities.

Salah eventually added his name to the scoresheet in the 84th minute, heading home a precise cross from substitute Ibrahim Adel to make it 4-0.

He completed the scoring in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time from the penalty spot. The spot-kick was awarded after a foul on Hamza Abdelkarim, the Barcelona striker, securing a 5-0 victory for Egypt.

Egypt opened their qualifying campaign with a goalless home draw against Angola before recording another 5-0 victory away to South Sudan in the second round of Group B fixtures.

The win came amid considerable controversy surrounding the dismissal of former manager Hossam Hassan. His final months in charge were marked by a series of disputes, including a disagreement with Salah and Egyptian Football Association vice-president Khaled El-Dirndly.

Hassan also faced criticism after comments about Al Ahly and Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy caused a major backlash.