* Mo Sallah’s departure from Liverpool has not diminished his importance to the national team
* He has made an encouraging start to life in the Turkish Süper Lig, recording nine goals and three assists in 11 league appearances
* His return gives coach Maher an experienced attacking leader as Egypt look to build on their emphatic victory over South Sudan
By Duncan Mlanjira
Coach Kalisto Pasuwa has a lot of work cut out for him ahead of the back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON) Pamoja 2027 fixtures against Egypt — the first leg in Cairo tomorrow evening (21h00) CAT.
The media there are whetting the Egyptian fans’ appetite to rally behind the team using their legendary forward Mohamed Salah, emphasising that the former Liverpool star will spearhead the Pharaohs’ bid to strengthen their position in the qualifying campaign.
The Egyptian FA, not impressed with the 0-1 loss to South Africa in an international friendly in Cairo on October 4, have parted ways with coach Hossam Hassan and replaced him with Ali Maher.
The former Al Ahly and Egypt striker indicated that he would be relying on Mo Sallah’s experience to give him his first win.
Egypt coach Ali Maher
Mo Sallah, who led Egypt to reach the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026, has never won an AfCON title — the best being runner-up twice when Egypt lost 2–1 to Cameroon in 2017 final and losing on penalties in 2021 edition against Senegal.
In the twilight of his career, Mo Sallah is playing for Trabzonspor in Türkiye and the 2027 AfCON is most definitely his target to clinch his first ever AfCON, which the Pharaohs hold the record as the most successful team in the tournament’s history with 7 titles before him (1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008, 2010).
Egypt’s online, Daily Sabah assures fans Mo Sallah’s departure from Liverpool has not diminished his importance to the national team.
“Salah has made an encouraging start to life in the Turkish Süper Lig, recording nine goals and three assists in 11 league appearances.
“His return gives Maher an experienced attacking leader as Egypt look to build on their emphatic victory over South Sudan.”
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That should give Pasuwa more food for thought as he is up against two forces — a captain badly yearning for an AfCON title that has eluded him for over 15 years and a new coach needing to impress on his debut international.
The Daily Sabah further reports that Ali Maher has also recalled several familiar faces, including goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, defender Mahmoud Hamdy El Wensh and midfielders Mohamed Shehata, Mahmoud Marei, Omar Marmoush and Nasser Maher.
These were in coach Hassan’s FIFA World Cup 2026 squad, along with Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet, who is back after recovering from injury.
“Omar Marmoush is another important attacking option, having scored twice in the 5-0 victory over South Sudan.
“His pace and attacking movement, alongside Salah’s experience and finishing, could provide Egypt with a dangerous combination against a Malawi side likely to defend deep and look for opportunities on the counterattack,” reports the Daily Sabah.
Egypt lead Group B with 4 points, sharing with Angola, who are placed second while the Flames are 3rd with 3 points taken off South Sudan, whom they beat 2-1 at Bingu National Stadium before losing 1-3 to Angola in Matchday 2.
Egypt and Angola drew 0-0 in opening campaign and the Pharaohs lead the group after thrashing South Sudan 5-0 in Matchday 2.
The Daily Sabah also takes cognizance — which the Flames’ technical analysts can consider — that Egypt, under coach Hassan recorded 23 victories, 10 draws and six defeats in 39 matches, but managed only two regulation-time wins in their previous nine outings, “raising questions about their consistency”.
“The Egyptian Football Association cited concerns over the national team’s image and stability when announcing his departure.
“Maher, who most recently coached Ceramica Cleopatra, has inherited a squad with considerable experience but little time to adjust to his methods before the November international window.”
The Flames welcoming foreign based Wisdom Mhango into camp in Cairo
The online also takes note the Flames are “under pressure to respond after their defeat to Angola that ended the momentum generated by their opening victory”.
“Zimbabwean gaffer Kalisto Pasuwa has seen his side win just twice in their last nine matches across all competitions, drawing two and losing five.
“Their away form is particularly concerning, with the Flames winless in their previous five road fixtures, losing three and failing to score in three.
“Pasuwa’s side have also struggled against Egypt historically, although their opponents’ recent inconsistency offers some encouragement.
“The Pharaohs have won four of their previous six meetings, drawing one and losing one,” says Daily Sabah, also taking note that the Flames have made only three AfCON appearances, most recently reaching the Round of 16 at the 2021 tournament.
Coach Pasuwa
“Pasuwa has acknowledged the importance of qualification to his future with the national team, adding further pressure to an already challenging campaign,” says the report.
That’s the reality on the ground; the Flames are in the lions’ den and all we can hope for is a miracle. But as it has been said before, anything can happen in football.
For the return leg on Tuesday, November 17, fans should patronise the match in large numbers to create a hostile atmosphere for the visitor.
FAM indicates that tickets are available through famticketsmw.com while advance physical ticket sales start on Saturday, November 14.
