Mohamed Salah becomes Egypt’s all-time leading goalscorer with 70 goals

Mohamed Salah has become Egypt’s all-time leading goalscorer after taking his international tally to 70 goals, surpassing former striker Hossam Hassan.

The Liverpool forward achieved the milestone after scoring twice in Egypt’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Malawi in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

Salah headed home Egypt’s fourth goal in the 84th minute after connecting with a superb pass from Ibrahim Adel before converting a penalty in the final minute to complete the victory.

The Pharaohs had established a commanding lead in the first half, with Nasser Maher opening the scoring in the sixth minute before Omar Marmoush doubled their advantage four minutes later.

Mohamed Hany added a third in the 39th minute, putting Egypt firmly in control before Salah’s late contribution sealed the comprehensive win.

The brace took Salah’s international tally to 70 goals, moving him ahead of Hossam Hassan, who finished his playing career with 69 goals for Egypt.

The 34-year-old now sits third on Africa’s all-time international goalscoring list, behind Zambia legend Godfrey Chitalu, who scored 79 goals, and Malawi’s Kinnah Phiri, who has 71.

Salah is also ahead of former Ivory Coast captain Didier Drogba, who scored 65 international goals, and Cameroon great Samuel Eto’o, who finished with 56.

Senegal forward Sadio Mane has 55 goals, while Ghana legend Asamoah Gyan remains among Africa’s leading international scorers with 51.

Egypt’s victory also marked the beginning of a new chapter under coach Ali Maher, who succeeded Hossam Hassan.

The Pharaohs had opened their qualifying campaign with a goalless draw against Angola before recording a 5-0 victory over South Sudan.

The win over Malawi further strengthened their position in the race for qualification to the 2027 AFCON.

Africa’s leading men’s international goalscorers

1. Godfrey Chitalu (Zambia) – 79
2. Kinnah Phiri (Malawi) – 71
3. Mohamed Salah (Egypt) – 70
4. Hossam Hassan (Egypt) – 69
5. Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast) – 65
6. Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon) – 56
7. Sadio Mane (Senegal) – 55
8. Asamoah Gyan (Ghana) – 51
9. Hassan El-Shazly (Egypt) – 49
10. Abdoulaye Traore (Ivory Coast) – 49