Mohamed Salah became Egypt’s all-time leading scorer on Friday after netting two late goals in a 5-0 rout of Malawi during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
The 34-year-old scored an 84th-minute header and an added-time penalty in Cairo to reach 70 international goals also surpassing former captain Hossam Hassan. Earlier strikes from Nasser Maher, Omar Marmoush and Mohamed Hany gave new coach Ali Maher a dream start and sent Egypt top of Group B.
Meanwhile, Tunisia’s crisis deepened with a shock 2-0 home defeat to neighbors Libya in Sfax. Goals from Ali Youssef and Hamdou Elhouni left Tunisia bottom of Group H with two points and three away games remaining and putting their 17-tournament qualification streak in serious jeopardy.
In Soweto, co-hosts Kenya frustrated Group D leaders South Africa with a dramatic 2-2 draw. After an early Kenyan own goal and a Michael Olunga penalty which tied Kenya’s all-time scoring record of 35 goals Relebohile Mofokeng put the hosts ahead in the 77th minute. However, Kenyan substitute Ryan Ogam fired a 90th-minute equalizer to earn a point for coach Benni McCarthy against fellow South African tactician Pitso Mosimane.
Other key Friday results :
Morocco 5-1 Niger: Achraf Hakimi scored twice in Casablanca to keep Morocco’s Group A record spotless.
Nigeria 3-1 Tanzania: Substitute Tolu Arokodaro scored twice in eight minutes in Uyo to revive Nigeria’s Group L campaign.
Mali 3-2 Rwanda: Mamadou Camara netted a late winner to move Mali within one victory of qualifying from Group K.
Cape Verde 4-2 Liberia: Cape Verde bounced back from September defeats for their first group win while Burundi held Zambia 1-1.
The third round concludes on Saturday ahead of the 2027 finals, co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
