Mohamed Salah scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner as Egypt came from behind to beat Zimbabwe in their opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The Pharaohs, tipped as one of the favourites for the title, were made to work hard by a resolute Zimbabwe side before Salah’s 91st-minute finish sealed a vital 2–1 victory in Agadir.
Despite dominating possession and creating several early chances, Egypt were stunned when Prince Dube fired Zimbabwe ahead in the first half, scoring against the run of play to give the Warriors a shock lead.
Egypt continued to press after the break and finally found an equaliser midway through the second half when Omar Marmoush powered a strike past veteran goalkeeper Washington Arubi from a tight angle.
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With the game heading towards an upset, Egypt’s captain delivered when it mattered most. Salah collected the ball inside the area, shifted onto his left foot and fired home to complete the comeback deep into stoppage time.
The result puts Egypt in a strong position in Group B, especially after South Africa’s 2–1 win over Angola earlier in the day, making three points against Zimbabwe crucial.
Egypt had entered the match knowing it was their most favourable fixture in the group, ahead of tougher tests against South Africa and Angola. However, the narrow scoreline reflected a game in which they were dominant but wasteful.
The seven-time champions controlled much of the first half, moving the ball effectively through midfield and creating chances from wide areas. Trezeguet came close early on, seeing a header from a Salah cross cleared off the line.
Zimbabwe’s goal came during a rare spell of pressure, exposing defensive gaps that raised concerns despite Egypt deploying a more conservative midfield setup.
After the interval, Egypt increased the tempo, with Marmoush finding space between the lines and later attacking down the left flank to score the equaliser. Ahmed Sayed Zizo also missed a close-range header as Egypt pushed for a winner.
Zimbabwe, ranked 129th in the world, defended deep for long periods but remained dangerous on the counter, slowing Egypt’s rhythm with tactical fouls and quick transitions.
The Warriors came into the tournament with modest expectations, having won just one of their previous seven matches and without key defender Marshall Munetsi, who missed the tournament through injury.
Still, their performance against one of Africa’s most decorated teams will give them belief heading into their next group fixtures, despite the late heartbreak.
Egypt will next face South Africa, while Zimbabwe turn their attention to a clash with Angola as Group B continues.
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