Egypt overwhelm Malawi as Mohamed Salah strikes twice in late rout

Egypt began Ali Maher’s reign in emphatic fashion with a 5-0 victory over Malawi in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying group B at Cairo International Stadium on 17 November 2026.

The result moved Egypt to seven points at the top of the group after three matches, while Malawi remain third on three points.

Egypt made a fast start and should have taken the lead in the fifth minute when Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet was played through by Mohamed Salah. However, his effort went narrowly past the right-hand post.

The hosts did not have to wait long for the breakthrough. Nasser Maher opened the scoring in the sixth minute before Omar Marmoush doubled Egypt’s advantage four minutes later, leaving Malawi facing sustained pressure.

Egypt controlled possession after the two early goals and looked to exploit the spaces in Malawi’s defence. The visitors briefly threatened 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 Meguid was booked two minutes later, while Nasser Maher continued to pose an attacking threat. The Egypt midfielder came close to adding a second goal in the 27th minute, sending a fierce shot from outside the penalty area just wide of the left post.

Egypt extended their lead before half-time when Mohamed Hany found the net in the 38th minute. His powerful effort from outside the box gave the home side a 3-0 advantage at the interval.

Salah finishes the job

Egypt remained in control after the break, with Malawi unable to create sustained danger as much of the play took place in midfield.

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

The Mohamed Salah of Trabzon then completed the scoring from the penalty spot in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time. The penalty was awarded after Hamza Abdelkarim, the Barcelona striker, was fouled.

The victory continued Egypt’s strong start to the qualifying campaign. They opened with a 0-0 home draw against Angola before recording a 5-0 away win over South Sudan in the second round of Group B fixtures.

The result also came amid significant debate over the dismissal of former manager Hossam Hassan. His departure followed a series of disputes during the final months of his time in charge, including disagreements with Mohamed Salah and Egyptian Football Association vice-president Khaled El-Dirbily, as well as controversy surrounding comments he made about Al Ahly and Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy.