Egypt continued their strong return to form under head coach Rui Vitória with a 2-0 home victory over Malawi in his competitive debut, returning the Pharaohs to the top of Group D in 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying. Mohamed Salah made a successful return to competitive action by scoring the opening goal and assisting Egypt’s second against a Malawi team who failed to challenge their hosts. Egypt are now level with Guinea at the top of the group on six points with Ethiopia and Malawi each on three points after Guinea defeated Ethiopia 2-0 in Friday’s later match.
The Pharaohs dominated the ball in Cairo and looked inspired with Salah in the team after falling to an embarrassing 2-0 defeat in their previous Group D game against Ethiopia. After sustained pressure the hosts took the lead in the 20th minute when Salah found left back Mohamed Hamdy and the Pyramids FC player crossed low for Salah to apply a first time finish. Omar Marmoush put Egypt beyond reach soon before halftime when he received a cross from Salah and his shot took a dramatic deflection before looping over Malawi goalkeeper Charles Thomu and into the goal.
Despite being forced to host their home matches in Casablanca due to lacking a suitable stadium, Guinea had little trouble in a 2-0 victory over Ethiopia. François Kamano put the Syli National into the lead in the 39th minute when he collected a pass from Ilaix Moriba and fired high past Ethiopia goalkeeper Said Habtamu. A poorly executed set piece by the Ethiopian team in the 73rd minute allowed Guinea to counter attack and Mohamed Bayo ran onto Issiaga Sylla’s pass before lashing a hard shot past Habtamu.
Highlights from both Group D matches are below.
Egypt 2-0 Malawi
Guinea 2-0 Ethiopia