Record-breaking Salah praised by Egypt head coach: "The best thing that has happened to Egyptian football"

Egypt head coach Ali Maher has described Mohamed Salah, his country's all-time leading goalscorer, as "the best thing that has happened to Egyptian football".

Salah wrote his name into Egypt's football history on Friday, scoring twice in a 5-0 win over Malawi in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying.

The 34-year-old took his international tally to 70 goals, overtaking Hossam Hassan, who was dismissed as Egypt head coach last week, to become Egypt's all-time leading scorer.

Salah equalled Hassan's record in the 84th minute before claiming it outright with a Panenka penalty in stoppage time.

Salah, who first played for the national team in 2011, reached the figure in 123 matches.

Maher, who took charge of Egypt for the first time against Malawi and made a dream start to the job, was full of praise for his team captain.

Maher said: "Mohamed Salah is the role model and the best thing that has happened to Egyptian football. We must treat him accordingly."