On November 13, 2026, Mohamed Salah officially became Egypt’s all-time leading international goalscorer, sealing his historic milestone during a commanding 5-0 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying victory over Malawi. The 34-year-old forward, currently playing for Turkish club Trabzonspor, delivered a performance that added another chapter to an extraordinary career, moving past former striker Hossam Hassan to reach a landmark 70 international goals in 123 appearances.
According to ESPN, Salah’s historic night unfolded late in the match. His first goal arrived in the 84th minute, which tied him with Hassan’s long-standing record. Minutes later, during added time, the former Liverpool star secured the outright record in flamboyant style by executing a Panenka penalty to cap off the five-goal rout.
A Comprehensive Look at Egypt’s Qualifying Dominance
The emphatic victory in Group B of the AFCON qualifiers also marked a triumphant start for newly appointed national team coach Ali Maher, as DaveOCKOP reported. The Pharaohs established control early in the contest, with Nasser Maher and Omar Marmoush scoring in quick succession inside the opening 10 minutes. Mohamed Hany added a third before half-time with a superb volley, paving the way for Salah’s late heroics.
With this comprehensive win, Egypt climbed to the top of Group B, accumulating seven points from their opening three matches. The result places them three points clear of second-placed Angola, reinforcing the team’s position as a dominant force on the continent as qualification progresses.
Club Form and International Legacy
Salah’s record-breaking international feat arrives amid a seamless transition in his club career. Following the expiration of his contract with Liverpool at the end of the 2025-26 season, where he cemented his status as the club’s Premier League all-time top scorer with 191 goals, Salah opted to join Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor. He has maintained stellar form domestically, registering 16 appearances, 11 goals, and five assists across all competitions for his new club.
Analyst commentary from Liverpool.com highlights that this milestone cements Salah’s undisputed GOAT status for the Egyptian national team. Beyond his statistical achievements, the forward remains central to Egyptian football’s broader resurgence, having guided the Pharaohs through a successful World Cup campaign in the United States earlier in the year, where the team reached the round of 16.
Stakes and Next Steps in Group B
As the November international break concludes, Egypt’s focus returns to maintaining their commanding lead at the summit of Group B. The team’s defensive solidity combined with a rejuvenated attacking lineup under Ali Maher demonstrates that Salah’s supporting cast is capable of easing the goalscoring burden.
For Salah personally, the milestone of 70 international goals elevates the benchmark for future generations of Egyptian footballers. While his club exploits in Turkey continue to draw attention, his enduring commitment to the national team underscores a career defined by sustained excellence at both domestic and international levels.