Egypt opened their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a hard fought 2-1 victory over Zimbabwe in Group B after leaving it late to secure all three points thanks to Mohamed Salah late strike.
The Pharaohs dominated large spells of the encounter but were made to work for the win by a resilient Zimbabwe side and an inspired performance from goalkeeper Washington Arubi, who produced a string of saves in the first half to keep Egypt at bay.
Despite Egypt’s early pressure, it was Zimbabwe who stunned the seven time champions by taking the lead against the run of play. Prince Dube found space inside the box and met a fine cross from Jalai, controlling brilliantly before firing a left footed shot past Mohamed El Shenawy to put the Warriors ahead.
Zimbabwe nearly doubled their advantage moments later when a long ball dropped kindly for Msendami, whose low strike caused panic in the Egyptian penalty area. El Shenawy struggled under pressure as Navaya closed in, but the goalkeeper eventually smothered the danger at close range.
Egypt continued to push forward after the break and finally found their equaliser in the 64th minute through Omar Marmoush. The forward showed individual quality as he latched onto a lofted pass, cut in at the near post and smashed the ball into the roof of the net to restore parity.
As the match edged towards a draw, Egypt threw numbers forward in search of a winner and were rewarded deep into stoppage time. Mohamed Salah rose to latch onto Adel’s header, took a touch and drove a powerful effort through the legs of a desperate Hadebe and beyond the reach of the diving Arubi to seal a dramatic victory in the 91st minute.
The goal was a reminder of Salah’s decisive quality as he competes in his fifth Africa Cup of Nations and his third as Egypt captain, still chasing an elusive continental title. Egypt remain the most successful nation in AFCON history with seven titles, although their last triumph came in 2010.
The match marked the 14th meeting between Egypt and Zimbabwe, with the Pharaohs continuing their dominance having now won eight of those encounters. Their previous AFCON meetings in 2004 and 2019 also ended in opening match victories for Egypt.
Zimbabwe, who have never progressed beyond the group stage at the tournament, will take encouragement from their spirited display despite the late heartbreak.
Egypt will face South Africa next on Boxing Day, while Zimbabwe turn their attention to a crucial clash against Angola as Group B action continues.
