Lead:
Mohamed Salah scored twice in Egypt's 5-0 victory over Malawi on Friday in African Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying, surpassing Hossam Hassan to become the national team's all-time leading international goalscorer with 70 goals. The result marked the formal debut of new Egypt manager Ali Maher.
Top Stories:
Morocco defeats Niger 5-1 — Morocco extended its perfect record to three wins in three matches with a dominant performance in Casablanca, reaching 9 points and securing top position in Group One of the African Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers.Netherlands crushes Greece 7-0 in Nations League — Tijani Reijnders scored a hat-trick and the Dutch delivered a devastating attacking display in the League A Group Two fixture, pushing Netherlands to 11 points and the top of the standings with qualification for the quarter-finals in sight.Germany beats Serbia 3-1 — Germany kept its quarter-final hopes alive by defeating Serbia in Belgrade, moving to 8 points in Group Two, though the team must now overcome Netherlands' 11-point advantage in the final matchday.Tunisia loses to Libya 0-2 — Tunisia suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Libya in Group Two of the African qualifiers, extending a difficult period for the national program since their World Cup campaign earlier this year.United Arab Emirates defeats Honduras 3-1 — The UAE won a friendly international against Honduras in Abu Dhabi with goals from Khalifa Al Hammadi, Bruno Oliveira, and Mohammad Al Mansouri, preparing for upcoming regional commitments following their runner-up finish at the 27th Gulf Cup.Qatar loses to Australia 0-3 in friendly — Qatar conceded three goals in a defeat to Australia in Doha during preparation for the postponed 2027 Asian Cup.What to Watch:
Portugal faces Denmark on Saturday in League A Nations League play, where the squad will honor Cristiano Ronaldo's international career by wearing his number 7 shirt before kickoff and observing a tribute in the seventh minute following his retirement from international football.
Spain plays England on Sunday in the Nations League, with Lamin Yamal available after recovering from a knee injury sustained earlier in the international break.