Mohamed Salah made history on Friday by becoming Egypt’s all-time leading goalscorer after scoring twice in a 5-0 victory over Malawi in an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at Cairo International Stadium.
The 34-year-old forward took his international tally to 70 goals, moving ahead of former Egypt striker Hossam Hassan.
Salah secured the milestone late in the match, heading home at the far post in the 84th minute before converting a penalty five minutes into stoppage time.
Egypt made an impressive start under new head coach Ali Maher, who replaced Hassan last week. Nasser Maher, Omar Marmoush and Mohamed Hany all scored before half-time to put the hosts 3-0 ahead.
The victory lifted Egypt to seven points from three matches in Group B, giving them a three-point lead over Angola, who are scheduled to face South Sudan on Saturday.
Morocco and Nigeria claim important victories
Elsewhere, Achraf Hakimi scored twice as Group A leaders Morocco thrashed Niger 5-1 in Casablanca.
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Hakimi, who is targeting a second consecutive African Footballer of the Year award next month, helped Morocco maintain their strong start to the qualifying campaign.
Nigeria also returned to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over Tanzania in Uyo.
Alhassan Yusuf opened the scoring after just 103 seconds, but Alphonce Msanga equalised for Tanzania in the 32nd minute.
Substitute Tolu Arokodare then turned the match in Nigeria’s favour, scoring twice within eight minutes. He put his side ahead with a near-post backheel in the 52nd minute before adding another from close range shortly before the hour mark.
The win moved Nigeria to six points in Group L, one behind leaders Guinea-Bissau.
Meanwhile, Tunisia suffered a surprise 2-0 home defeat against Libya, while Kenya secured a dramatic 2-2 draw away to South Africa with a last-minute equaliser.
