Egypt began Ali Maher’s reign in emphatic fashion with a 5-0 victory over Malawi in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying Group B match at Cairo International Stadium.
The result lifted the Pharaohs to seven points from three matches, putting them top of the group. 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 wide of the right post.
Nasser Maher opened the scoring a minute later, before Omar Marmoush doubled Egypt’s advantage in the 10th minute. The hosts continued to dominate possession and looked to exploit the space left by Malawi as they searched for more goals.
Malawi briefly threatened a response in the 22nd minute, when Richard Mbulu struck a powerful shot towards goal. Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir reacted well to keep it out and preserve his side’s clean sheet.
Hossam Abdel Meguid was booked in the 24th minute, while Nasser Maher remained a constant attacking threat. He came close to adding a second goal of his own three minutes later, but his long-range effort passed just wide of the left post.
Egypt extended their lead in the 38th minute. Mohamed Hany found the net with a powerful shot from outside the penalty area, giving the home side a commanding 3-0 advantage at half-time.
Salah completes Egypt’s rout
Egypt maintained control after the interval, with Malawi unable to create sustained pressure and much of the play taking place in midfield.
Mohamed Salah, described as the Trabzon star, added Egypt’s fourth goal in the 84th minute. He met an accurate cross from substitute Ibrahim Adel with a header to put the result beyond doubt.
Salah scored again in the fifth minute of added time from the penalty spot after Barcelona striker Hamza Abdelkarim had been fouled. The second goal completed a 5-0 victory for the Pharaohs.
Egypt opened their qualifying campaign with a goalless home draw against Angola before recording a 5-0 away win over South Sudan in the second round of Group B fixtures.
The victory came amid significant controversy surrounding the dismissal of former manager Hossam Hassan. His final months in charge were marked by a series of disputes, including disagreements with Mohamed Salah and Khaled El-Dirndly, the vice-president of the Egyptian Football Association.
Hassan had also caused widespread reaction with comments directed at Al Ahly and Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy.
