Salah breaks Egypt's goalscoring record

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Salah scored twice late on to take his international tally to 70 and surpass former captain and head coach Hossam Hassan’s record.

New coach Ali Maher began his tenure with a comprehensive victory in Cairo that put Egypt top of Group B.

Salah equalled Hassan's record in the 84th minute but ensured he took the accolade for himself in some style as he beat the goalkeeper with a Panenka penalty in stoppage-time.

The 34-year-old made his debut in 2011 and has reached his tally in 123 appearances.

Maher, who took charge of Egypt for the first time against Malawi, making a dream start, had high praise for the captain.

"Mohamed Salah is the role model and the best thing that has happened to Egyptian football," Maher said.

"We must treat him accordingly."

Elsewhere, Tunisia’s dismal run continued with a 2-0 home defeat by Libya.

Tunisia was the only one of Africa’s 10 teams at this year's FIFA World Cup to exit after the group stage, and it fired coach Sabri Lamouchi after its opening defeat.

Its woes continued against Libya after a penalty from Ali Youssef on the stroke of half-time and a 62nd minute effort from Hamdou El Houni sealed its fate.

The defeat leaves Tunisia with two points at the halfway stage of its Group H campaign and in danger of missing next year’s finals, which would end a record run of 17 successive appearances. Coach Mouin Chaabani’s short reign is also under threat.

Cape Verde, who thrilled the neutrals with its run to the second round at the FIFA World Cup, had lost its opening qualifiers in September but were back to winning ways on with a 4-2 home triumph over Liberia, with debutant Derensili Sanches Fernandes, who plays for Huddersfield Town, among the scorers.

Nigeria made multiple changes to its line-up after a 3-0 loss to Guinea Bissau in its previous outing two months ago and bounced back with giant striker Tolu Arokodare scoring twice in a 3-1 win over Tanzania.

Defender Jean Girumugisha scored seven minutes from time for tiny Burundi to draw 1-1 away at Zambia in Group I while Ryan Ogam’s 90th minute strike saw Kenya hold South Africa 2-2 in Johannesburg in Group D.

Mali came from behind to beat Rwanda 3-2 in Bamako and win a third match in Group K and move within one win of a place in the finals. Mamadou Camara snatched their late winner.

African footballer of the year Achraf Hakimi scored twice as Morocco beat Niger 5-1 in Casablanca to maintain its perfect start in Group A and move closer to qualification.