Mohamed Salah has become Egypt’s all-time leading scorer after his two goals in a 5-0 victory over Malawi took his international total to 70.
The 34-year-old captain moved clear of former Pharaohs striker Hossam Hassan, who scored 69 times for the national team. Hassan is now Egypt’s manager, making Salah’s achievement a symbolic changing of the guard between two generations of Egyptian football.
Salah’s record came during a dominant performance by Egypt, who secured a convincing win over Malawi. His double also helped the Pharaohs strengthen their position at the top of Group B.
However, the new mark has prompted debate on social media over how his international goals should be counted. The main point of discussion concerns two goals Salah scored in Egypt’s 10-0 win over Swaziland on 22 March 2013.
Some sources have questioned whether those goals should be included, arguing that the match was not recognised by FIFA as an official international fixture.
That issue resurfaced after the Malawi match. But a FIFA article published in June 2026, following Salah’s 68th goal against New Zealand at the World Cup, had already described him as nearing Hossam Hassan’s record.
Using that calculation, Salah’s two goals against Malawi took him to 70 and placed him beyond the former record. The Egyptian Football Association had not yet issued an official statement confirming the new milestone.
Salah acknowledged the achievement himself after the match, sharing a photograph on social media alongside the number 70.
Egypt leading Group B
The result also represented an important step for Egypt in the group standings. The Pharaohs now have seven points from three matches and sit alone at the top of Group B.
They are three points ahead of Angola, who still have to play South Sudan.
Egypt will travel to Malawi next Tuesday for the return fixture. The match will give Salah and his team-mates another opportunity to maintain their momentum as they continue their qualification campaign for CAN 2027.
