Egypt defender Hany finds the net with stunning strike in Malawi qualifier

Mohamed Hany scored his first goal for Egypt as the hosts built a 3-0 lead over Malawi in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match at Cairo International Stadium on Friday evening.

The right-back struck in the 38th minute, sending a powerful effort from outside the penalty area into the net to give Egypt a commanding advantage before half-time.

Hany had already played a part in Egypt’s opening goal, delivering the cross that Nasser Maher converted in the sixth minute. Omar Marmoush then doubled the lead four minutes later after capitalising on a misplaced pass in the Malawi defence.

The goal was especially significant for Hany, who had not previously scored for the national team. It was also Nasser Maher’s first goal for Egypt.

Egypt started on the front foot and almost took the lead in the fifth minute when Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet found space after receiving a pass from Mohamed Salah. However, his effort went narrowly wide of the right-hand post.

Nasser Maher opened the scoring one minute later, before Marmoush quickly extended Egypt’s advantage. The early goals placed Malawi under considerable pressure and allowed the home side to control possession while looking for further opportunities.

Malawi threatened to reduce the deficit in the 22nd minute when Richard Mbulu produced a powerful shot, but Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir made an impressive save to preserve his clean sheet.

Egypt defender Hossam Abdel Meguid was booked in the 24th minute. Three minutes later, Nasser Maher came close to scoring again, firing from outside the box and seeing his attempt pass just beyond the left post.

Malawi applied further pressure to the Egyptian defence in the 34th minute, but Shobeir dealt effectively with the visitors’ efforts. Hany then restored Egypt’s control with his long-range finish four minutes later.

The match is Ali Maher’s first competitive game in charge of Egypt. He took over as head coach on 7 November, replacing Hossam Hassan, and began his tenure with a fixture in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying.

Egypt opened their Group Two campaign with a goalless home draw against Angola before recording a 5-0 away victory over South Sudan. Those results gave them four points from their first two matches and put them top of the group on goal difference ahead of Angola.

Malawi went into the match with three points.