Mohamed Salah has become Egypt’s highest-ever goalscorer after scoring twice in his team’s 5-0 win over Malawi in an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at Cairo International Stadium.
The 34-year-old forward has now scored 70 goals for Egypt. He has moved ahead of former Egyptian striker Hossam Hassan.
Salah reached the record in the closing minutes of the match. He scored a header in the 84th minute before converting a penalty five minutes into stoppage time.
Egypt also made a strong start under new head coach Ali Maher, who replaced Hassan last week.
Nasser Maher, Omar Marmoush and Mohamed Hany scored before half-time to give Egypt a 3-0 lead.
The victory took Egypt to seven points from three matches in Group B. They are now three points ahead of Angola, who are set to face South Sudan on Saturday.
How Did Other Teams Perform in AFCON Qualifiers?
Elsewhere, Morocco secured a 5-1 win over Niger in Casablanca. Achraf Hakimi scored twice to help Group A leaders continue their strong run.
Hakimi is also aiming to win the African Footballer of the Year award for a second year in a row next month.
Nigeria also returned to winning form with a 3-1 victory over Tanzania in Uyo.
Alhassan Yusuf scored for Nigeria just 103 seconds into the match. Tanzania equalised through Alphonce Msanga in the 32nd minute.
Substitute Tolu Arokodare helped Nigeria secure the win after scoring twice in the second half. He put his team ahead with a backheel finish in the 52nd minute before scoring again from close range shortly before the 60th minute.
The win took Nigeria to six points in Group L. They are now one point behind group leaders Guinea-Bissau.
Meanwhile, Tunisia suffered a 2-0 home defeat against Libya. Kenya also secured a late 2-2 draw against South Africa after scoring an equaliser in the final moments of the match.
