Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Mohamed Salah scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner to hand Egypt a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Zimbabwe on Monday night, securing a crucial opening win for the Pharaohs in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Playing at Adrar Stadium in Agadir in their first Group B match, Egypt dominated much of the contest but were forced to come from behind after Zimbabwe took a surprise first-half lead. Goals from Omar Marmoush and Salah eventually turned the game in Egypt’s favor, sparing the seven-time African champions an opening-day setback.
Zimbabwe struck against the run of play in the 20th minute when Prince Dube capitalized on a defensive lapse, firing a low shot to the right of goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy. The goal stunned Egypt, who had controlled possession and created several early chances.
Egypt began the match with high intensity and nearly opened the scoring in the sixth minute when Salah delivered a precise cross that Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet” met with a powerful header, only for the Zimbabwean goalkeeper to produce an excellent save. Moments later, Marwan Hamdy sent a fierce effort just over the crossbar as the Pharaohs continued to press.
Despite Egypt’s dominance, Zimbabwe threatened again midway through the first half following a mistake by El-Shenawy, though the Egyptian defense recovered in time to avert further danger. Head coach Hossam Hassan responded by making an early tactical change in the 33rd minute, introducing Mostafa Mohamed in place of Emam Ashour to bolster the attack.
Before halftime, Marmoush tested the Zimbabwean keeper with a long-range strike, but once again Egypt were denied by resolute goalkeeping, leaving them trailing 1–0 at the break.
Egypt resumed the second half with renewed urgency. Marmoush came close in the 54th minute, forcing another save from inside the penalty area, before finally drawing Egypt level in the 64th minute with a powerful strike that left the goalkeeper with no chance.
The equalizer tilted the momentum decisively in Egypt’s favor. Salah, Ibrahim Adel, and Ahmed “Zizo” Sayed all squandered opportunities as Egypt laid siege to the Zimbabwean goal, with shots sailing narrowly wide or over the bar in a frustrating spell.
Just as the match appeared to be heading toward a draw, Egypt’s captain delivered. In the first minute of stoppage time, Salah pounced inside the box and fired home the winning goal, igniting celebrations among players and supporters alike and underlining his importance as the team’s leader.
The victory places Egypt at the top of Group B alongside South Africa, who also secured a 2–1 win over Angola earlier in the day. It represents an important step for the Pharaohs as they pursue a long-awaited eighth continental title, their first since 2010.
Under the guidance of Hossam Hassan, himself a three-time Africa Cup of Nations winner as a player, Egypt fielded a star-studded lineup featuring Salah, Marmoush, Trezeguet, and Emam Ashour. The performance showcased Egypt’s attacking depth and control, even if defensive lapses and missed chances exposed areas for improvement.
While Zimbabwe proved resilient and dangerous on the counter, Egypt’s sustained pressure and late composure ultimately made the difference. The dramatic comeback sends a strong message to Egypt’s remaining group opponents and gives the Pharaohs a vital confidence boost as the tournament continues.
