Ali Maher says Egypt can attack ‘like a lion’ after Malawi win

Ali Maher says an aggressive approach in both attack and defence will be central to Egypt’s performances after they swept aside Malawi 5-0 in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match at Cairo International Stadium.

Speaking after the third-round victory, Egypt manager Maher said his team deserved to play attractive football and give supporters something to enjoy.

“Egypt deserve to play beautiful football, and the fans deserve to enjoy what the team produces,” he said. “I had planned to implement some technical ideas with the national team, and my aim is always for us to attack aggressively and defend aggressively.

“We achieved that, particularly in the first half, when we focused on settling the match early.”

Maher explained that Marwan Attia was introduced after the interval to help Egypt regain control during periods when Malawi had possession.

“I am always looking for numerical superiority,” he said. “I compare Egypt to a lion because we have strong and outstanding players, and we are capable of producing this kind of aggressive performance against any team.”

The coach added that the squad had concentrated on attacking and defending with intensity during training, and had successfully transferred those principles to the match.

He acknowledged that international managers have limited time with their players but said Egypt would continue working to overcome that difficulty.

“There are not many training sessions with the national team, and that is one of the challenges of managing a national side,” Maher said. “We try to overcome it by communicating our ideas to the players quickly.

“We will make sure to attend and follow matches in the domestic competitions, study every detail and work to improve the areas that need development. That is our plan for the upcoming competitions.”

Mohamed Salah scored twice in the victory, and Maher praised the Liverpool forward’s continued influence.

“I would like to congratulate Mohamed Salah on scoring two goals. He always proves his great value,” he said. “Salah is a role model and, as I have said before, he is ‘the best thing that has happened to Egyptian football’. We must treat him in a way befitting outstanding players.”

Maher also thanked Egypt’s league managers and stressed that selection opportunities remained open.

“I am one of the products of this competition, and we have players of high quality,” he said. “The door is open to every player, and anyone who can make the required contribution will have a place in the national team.

“As well as Nasser Maher, we also selected Mahmoud Mamdouh, the league’s leading goalscorer.”

On Mohamed Hany’s goal, Maher said Egypt had practised committing numbers forward around the opposition penalty area. Hany and Ahmed Fattouh had repeatedly worked on the movement in training, he added, while Hany’s effort was reward for his hard work.

Egypt’s other goals were scored by Nasser Maher and Omar Marmoush. The result moved them to seven points at the top of Group B, while Malawi remain third on three points.

The teams meet again in the fourth round on Tuesday, 17 November, with Egypt away from home. The match will be broadcast on beIN Sports and will kick off at 15:00.