Mohamed Salah has added another remarkable milestone to his illustrious career, becoming Egypt’s all-time leading international goalscorer after scoring twice in a commanding 5-0 victory over Malawi in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Saturday. The 34-year-old surpassed former striker Hossam Hassan’s national record with a stoppage-time Panenka penalty, taking his international tally to 70 goals in 123 appearances.The landmark came after Salah had drawn level with Hassan by heading home in the 84th minute. With the record within reach, the Egyptian forward showed composure from the penalty spot in added time, chipping the ball down the middle to claim the record outright.
Salah leads Egypt’s goal fest with record-breaking brace
Egypt dominated proceedings at Cairo International Stadium, making a blistering start to the contest with three goals before half-time.Nasser Maher opened the scoring after converting a low cross from Mohamed Hany, registering his first international goal in the process. Omar Marmoush doubled Egypt’s advantage in the 10th minute, capitalising on a defensive error from Malawi to put the hosts firmly in control.Hany then joined the goalscoring party with a spectacular long-range strike shortly before the interval, also opening his account for the national team.Malawi had an opportunity to get back into the contest midway through the first half, but goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir produced an excellent save to deny Richard Mbulu.Salah, who had missed a one-on-one opportunity in the 71st minute, finally found the net in the 84th minute. The forward rose highest to meet an Ibrahim Adel cross and direct a header into the net, bringing him level with Hassan’s record.The historic moment arrived deep into stoppage time after Malawi’s goalkeeper brought down Hamza Abdelkarim inside the penalty area. Salah stepped up and calmly executed a Panenka, completing his brace and sealing Egypt’s emphatic 5-0 victory.
Winning start for new Egypt coach Ali Maher
The victory also marked a positive beginning for new Egypt head coach Ali Maher, who was appointed on November 7 following Hassan’s departure. Maher began his tenure with an attacking combination featuring Salah, Marmoush and Mahmoud Trezeguet, with the trio helping Egypt deliver a dominant performance on home soil.Egypt will face Malawi again on Tuesday, with Salah entering the return fixture as the country’s outright leading international goalscorer.
Salah continues impressive form at club level
The record-breaking performance adds to what has been an impressive campaign for Salah at club level. The Egyptian forward, who currently plays for Turkish club Trabzonspor, has scored nine goals in 11 league appearances this season.His achievements also include a remarkable nine-year spell at Liverpool, where he became the club’s leading Premier League goalscorer with 191 goals. He also registered a record 277 goal contributions for a single club in the competition.