Egypt name Salah, Marmoush and Trezeguet in bold Malawi qualifier line-up

Ali Maher has selected an attack-minded Egypt side for his first official match as head coach, with Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush and Mahmoud Trezeguet named in the starting XI against Malawi.

The two teams meet at Cairo International Stadium on Friday evening in the third round of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Ahmed Sayed Zizo and Nasser Maher will provide further attacking support from midfield, as Egypt look to control the game and put pressure on Malawi’s defence from the opening whistle.

Kick-off is at 21:00 local time in Cairo and 22:00 in Mecca. It will be the first competitive appearance for Ali Maher’s new coaching staff, who took charge less than 48 hours before the start of the current Egypt camp.

Egypt’s starting line-up is:

Goalkeeper: Mostafa Shobeir

Defenders: Mohamed Hany, Rami Rabia, Hossam Abdel Meguid, Ahmed Fattouh

Midfielders: Mohand Lasheen, Ahmed Sayed Zizo, Nasser Maher

Forwards: Mahmoud Trezeguet, Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush

The selection reflects Ali Maher’s desire to take the initiative, with Salah, Marmoush and Trezeguet offering pace, creativity and a threat in front of goal. Zizo is also expected to move forward from midfield to increase Egypt’s attacking numbers.

Mohand Lasheen is tasked with providing balance in the centre of the pitch, while Rami Rabia and Hossam Abdel Meguid form the central defensive partnership. Mohamed Hany and Ahmed Fattouh will operate on the right and left sides of the defence respectively.

Egypt’s position in Group B

Egypt begin the match at the top of Group B with four points. They opened their campaign with a goalless draw against Angola before recording a 5-0 victory over South Sudan in their second fixture.

Angola also have four points, but Egypt lead the group on goal difference. Malawi are third with three points, while South Sudan sit bottom without a point.

The fixture is particularly significant for Ali Maher as he begins his new role, with Egypt aiming to maintain their place at the summit. The sides will meet twice during the current international break, with the return fixture scheduled to take place in Malawi next Tuesday in the fourth round of qualifying.

The top two teams in the group will qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania from 19 June to 17 July 2027.

Egypt are seeking to secure qualification as early as possible as they continue their pursuit of another continental title. They have won the Africa Cup of Nations seven times, a record for the competition.