Egypt began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a dramatic 2–1 victory over Zimbabwe, thanks to a stoppage-time goal from captain Mohamed Salah. The Group B clash was played on 22 December at the Grande Stade in Agadir, Morocco.
Egypt dominated the early exchanges, pressing Zimbabwe intensely and creating several clear scoring chances within the opening 10 minutes. However, it was Zimbabwe who struck first against the run of play. In the 20th minute, Emmanuel Jalai delivered a dangerous ball into the box, which Prince Dube controlled well before finishing into the bottom corner to give Zimbabwe a 1–0 lead.
Zimbabwe nearly doubled their advantage before halftime when Daniel Msendami launched a quick counterattack, setting up Washington Navaya in a goalmouth scramble. But Egyptian goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy produced a crucial line-save to keep his team alive.
Marmoush Sparks the Comeback
Egypt intensified their pressure in the second half, and the equalizer finally arrived in the 64th minute. Omar Marmoush cut inside from the left after receiving a long pass and fired into the net from a tight angle to make it 1–1.
“We couldn’t score early but we created many chances. We stayed positive and kept believing. In the end, everything worked out,” Marmoush said after the match.
Captain Delivers in Stoppage Time
Despite struggling to find rhythm for much of the match, Salah delivered when it mattered most. In the 91st minute, he beat his marker and calmly slotted home with his left foot, securing a crucial three points for Egypt. The goal marked his first since early November and ended Egypt’s run of six consecutive AFCON draws across the last two tournaments.
Group Outlook
With the win, Egypt joins South Africa—who earlier defeated Angola 2–1—at the top of Group B. Egypt will face South Africa on December 26 in Agadir, while Zimbabwe will meet Angola in Marrakech.
Egypt’s comeback victory not only provides confidence but also sends an early message that the seven-time champions remain serious contenders in the tournament.