Egypt opened a new chapter in their footballing history on Friday 13 November, crushing Malawi 5-0 at Cairo International Stadium in the third round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, and handing new coach Ali Maher a debut victory worthy of the Pharaohs' storied name.
Before a home crowd gathered under the lights of the stadium that has witnessed so many nights of Egyptian glory, the seven-time African champions delivered a performance of authority and ambition. Nasser Maher opened the floodgates after six minutes, and the goals kept coming until Mohamed Salah converted a stoppage-time penalty to seal the rout, according to the live coverage published by جريدة الأهرام.
How the Pharaohs dismantled Malawi
The match barely had time to breathe before Egypt struck. Salah set up Trezeguet in the fifth minute, and although that chance sailed wide, the warning was issued. One minute later, Maher connected with Mohamed Hany's cross from the right and put Egypt ahead.
Omar Marmoush doubled the lead in the 10th minute with a thunderous strike from outside the penalty area, and by the time Hany himself lashed a powerful effort into the far corner on 39 minutes, the contest was effectively decided. Ahram Online's live commentary recorded Egypt's dominance in possession throughout, with Trezeguet, Zizo and Salah all going close in a second half that belonged entirely to the men in red.
Salah, playing his first match under the new coach after recovering from injury, rose to head home a well-placed cross from substitute Ibrahim Adel in the 83rd minute. In the dying moments, Malawi's goalkeeper brought down Hamza Abdelkarim inside the box, and Salah stepped up in the fourth minute of added time to complete the 5-0 scoreline from the spot.
A new era under Ali Maher
The victory carries weight far beyond three points. Ali Maher took charge of the national team for the first time following the dismissal of Hossam Hassan on 7 November, after a tenure of two years and nine months that produced a fourth-place finish at the 2025 AFCON and qualification for the 2026 World Cup, where Egypt reached the last 16.
The 52-year-old tactician, formerly of Ceramica Cleopatra, had little time to prepare his side, yet his fingerprints were already visible. He set Egypt up in a familiar 4-3-3, with Zizo joining Mohanad Lashin and Nasser Maher in midfield and a front three of Salah, Marmoush and Trezeguet. His substitutions, including the introductions of Ibrahim Adel and Marwan Attia, directly shaped the final two goals, a promising sign for a coach entrusted with rebuilding toward continental honors.
Maher's early selection decisions have already shown a willingness to trust both youth and experience, handing Mahmoud Mamdouh a first call-up while recalling Mohamed El-Shenawy, Mahmoud 'El-Wensh' Hamdy, Mohamed Shehata, Mahmoud Marei and Nasser Maher. Mostafa Ziko missed the match while serving a FIFA ban, and Hamdy Fathy sat out injured.
What the result means for Group B
The win consolidates Egypt's position at the top of Group B. BBC Sport's match statistics and head-to-head data place the Pharaohs on seven points from three matches, ahead of Angola with Malawi slipping further behind. Egypt had begun their qualifying campaign with a goalless home draw against Angola before a dominant 5-0 away win over South Sudan, a scoreline Friday's victory now matches on home soil.
Malawi arrived in Cairo third in the group on three points, just one behind the leaders, and their coach responded to the growing deficit with a triple substitution in the 73rd minute. It changed nothing. Egypt's goalkeeper, Mostafa Shobeir, preserved the clean sheet with a superb stop from Mbulu's powerful strike in the 22nd minute, one of the few moments the visitors threatened.
Egypt's march toward AFCON 2027 continues
For a national side that has known both triumph and transition, Friday night in Cairo offered something simpler and more valuable: certainty. The Egyptians who filled the stands, and the millions watching across the region, saw a team that plays with confidence, depth, and the quiet conviction of a nation that has lifted the African trophy seven times and intends to contend for an eighth.
beIN SPORTS, which broadcast the Group B encounter live, framed the fixture as a test of Egypt's readiness under new leadership. The answer was emphatic. As match previews noted ahead of kickoff, a convincing win would ease the pressure on Ali Maher and buy him valuable time to build a team capable of challenging for continental honors. He now has that time, and a performance his players can build on.
Egypt's next fixtures in the qualifying campaign will determine whether this new era matures into the sustained excellence Egyptian supporters demand. On the evidence of Friday night, the foundations are already firm.
FAQ
What was the final score between Egypt and Malawi?
Egypt won 5-0 at Cairo International Stadium on Friday 13 November, in the third round of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
Who scored for Egypt against Malawi?
Nasser Maher (6'), Omar Marmoush (10'), Mohamed Hany (39'), and Mohamed Salah (83' and 90+4', the second from the penalty spot).
Who is Egypt's new national team coach?
Ali Maher, the 52-year-old former Ceramica Cleopatra coach, took charge on 7 November after Hossam Hassan's dismissal. The Malawi match was his first game at the helm.