Mohamed Salah hit four goals as Egypt cruised to a resounding 6-0 victory in their first qualifier for the 2026 Fifa World Cup against Djibouti inside the Cairo International Stadium on Thursday.
The Liverpool forward gave Egypt the lead in the 17th minute after converting Mostafa Mohamed’s low cross from the left wing.
Salah then made it 2-0 from the penalty spot before completing his hat-trick shortly after the break, pouncing on a ball from Ahmed El Fatouh.
With 20 minutes to go Salah bagged his fourth, with El Fatouh again the provider, and Mohamed added a fifth four minutes later.
Trezeguet completed the rout for the Pharaohs with a strike in the 89th minute.
Africa is guaranteed nine spots at the 2026 finals set to be played in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
All the group winners will automatically booking a spot at the tournament.
Egypt lead Group A with three points and six goals after the win.
Meanwhile, Nigeria were held to a 1-1 draw at home by minnows Lesotho.
Lesotho headed to the match ranked 153rd in the world – 113 places below Nigeria.
Motlomelo Mkwanazi gave Lesotho a shocking 1-0 lead after scoring from the corner in the 56th minute.
Semi Ajayi who plays for West Brom as centre-back equalised in the 67th minute after heading home Kelechi Iheanacho’s corner to tie the scores at 1-1.
Despite numerous attempts, the Super Eagles could not find a winner in their Group C opener in a rainy Uyo.
