Mohamed Salah scores a stoppage time winner as Egypt recover from behind to beat Zimbabwe 2-1 in their opening Africa Cup of Nations match
Egypt opened their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a dramatic comeback win. The seven-time champions beat Zimbabwe 2-1 in Agadir. It was a tense night despite Egypt’s dominance. Mohamed Salah delivered the decisive moment in stoppage time.
The result puts Egypt on three points in Group B. It also eased early pressure after a sluggish first half. Zimbabwe pushed Egypt to the limit.
Egypt controlled possession from the start. They created early chances through Salah and Trezeguet. Washington Arubi produced two fine saves to keep Zimbabwe level. The Warriors stayed compact and disciplined.
Against the run of play Zimbabwe struck first. Prince Dube controlled Emmanuel Jalai’s cross superbly. He turned and finished calmly in the 20th minute. The goal stunned the crowd and lifted Zimbabwe belief.
Egypt responded with waves of pressure. Marmoush fired narrowly over from range. Salah delivered dangerous crosses from the right. Arubi continued to frustrate the Pharaohs.
Trezeguet came closest before half time. His header struck the underside of the bar. Egypt went into the break trailing despite their control. Zimbabwe defended deep and held firm.
Egypt increased the tempo after the restart. The pressure finally told in the 64th minute. Omar Marmoush drove in from the left. He smashed a powerful finish into the roof of the net.
The equaliser was the product persistent pressure and it knocked the wind out of Zimbabwe’s sails. Zimbabwe were forced deeper. Egypt sensed a winner as chances followed. Substitute Zizo headed over from close range soon after.
As the match drifted toward a draw tension grew. Egypt piled players forward. A loose ball fell kindly inside the area. Salah reacted quickest under pressure.
The captain held off his marker and poked home. The goal came in the first minute of stoppage time. It sealed the comeback and sparked wild celebrations. Egypt finally had their reward.
Salah remained influential throughout. He created multiple openings and stayed patient. Marmoush was Egypt’s main attacking outlet. His energy stretched Zimbabwe’s back line.
Zimbabwe defended bravely for long spells. Dube worked tirelessly up front. Arubi produced several crucial saves. Their resistance deserved credit despite the late heartbreak.
Egypt attempted 35 shots during the match. Zimbabwe managed eight in total. Salah led Egypt with four efforts and six chances created. Marmoush registered several attempts before scoring.
Egypt are now unbeaten in 11 AFCON matches. They have won all three meetings with Zimbabwe at the tournament. Zimbabwe remain without a clean sheet in 16 AFCON games.
Egypt face South Africa next in Group B. The match takes place in Agadir on Friday, December 26th. Zimbabwe travel to Marrakesh to meet Angola on the same day. Both teams will chase vital points.
