Mohamed Salah etched his name in Egyptian football history on Friday, becoming the Pharaohs' all-time leading scorer as Egypt dismantled Malawi 5-0 at Cairo International Stadium. Elsewhere, Mali fought back twice to defeat Rwanda 3-2 in Bamako, and Morocco cruised past Niger 5-1 in Casablanca — all on matchday 3 of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations – Pamoja 2027 qualifiers.

Salah's historic night in Cairo

Newly appointed Egypt coach Ali Maher oversaw an emphatic debut as his side tore through Malawi with five unanswered goals. Nasser Maher drew first blood after just six minutes, converting a cross from Mohamed Hany to score his first international goal.

Omar Marmoush doubled the advantage in the 11th minute, pouncing on a wayward back-pass from the Malawian defence. Hany, having already set up the opener, then turned scorer himself before the break — a blistering first-time effort from 25 metres that flew into the top-right corner of Chikooka's net.

Salah entered the record books in the closing stages. He headed home a cross from Ibrahim Adel in the 84th minute for Egypt's fourth, then stepped up to convert a stoppage-time penalty — his 70th international goal — surpassing Hossam Hassan as Egypt's all-time top scorer. The captain received the milestone with the quiet authority befitting a living legend.

Egypt lead Group B with 7 points, while Malawi sit third on 3 points. The two teams meet again next Tuesday in Lilongwe, with Angola (4 points) hosting pointless South Sudan in Luanda on Saturday.

Mali's double comeback in Bamako

At the 26 March Stadium in Bamako, Mali produced a dramatic recovery to beat Rwanda 3-2 in Group K. Jojea Kwizera handed Rwanda a surprise lead in the 29th minute, but Kamory Doumbia equalised two minutes before the interval.

Rwanda restored their lead through Phanuel Kavita nine minutes into the second half, only for Moussa Yeo to level again at 2-2 on 63 minutes. Mamadou Camara settled the contest in the 84th minute, completing Mali's comeback and securing three vital points.

Mali top Group K on 9 points — three ahead of Rwanda — before the two sides face off again at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Tuesday.

Hakimi and Morocco's perfect record continues

Morocco extended their flawless qualifying campaign, defeating Niger 5-1 at Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca to remain perfect with 3 wins from 3 matches, topping Group A on 9 points.

Yasser Zabiri opened the scoring in the 4th minute, and Achraf Hakimi made it 2-0 on 27 minutes. Niger threatened a remarkable fightback through Mohamed Abdouramane's goal in the 41st minute, and were then awarded a penalty on the stroke of half-time — but goalkeeper Yassine Bounou produced a crucial save to deny Youssouf Oumarou from the spot.

Morocco punished Niger immediately: Hakimi completed his brace in first-half injury time to restore the two-goal cushion. Youssef En-Nesyri added a fourth in the 77th minute from Hakimi's assist, and Ayoub Oufkir wrapped up an outstanding night with a fifth in the 90th minute.

Morocco top Group A on 9 points, three ahead of Gabon, with Niger on 3 points and Lesotho still to open their account.