A stoppage-time strike by Mohamed Salah rescued Egypt from the brink of frustration as they fought back to secure a 2-1 victory against Zimbabwe, in Group B of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), tagged Morocco 2025.
Despite Egypt’s dominance, it was Zimbabwe who struck first. In the 20th minute, Jordan Jalai surged down the flank before picking out Prince Dube, who spun inside the penalty area and placed a precise finish beyond Mohamed El Shenawy.
The response after the break was immediate. Egypt raised the tempo, pushed their full-backs higher and began to stretch Zimbabwe’s defensive shape. Omar Marmoush, increasingly influential, finally delivered the equaliser in the 63rd minute.
The breakthrough finally arrived in stoppage time for Egypt as they kept pushing forward.
Salah controlled a high ball inside the area, slipped past his marker and finished decisively to spark celebrations among the Egyptian players and fans.
The seven-time champions appeared to be heading towards a damaging opening-day setback despite dominating possession.
However, Salah delivered when it mattered most to fire his side to victory in style.
It was a difficult match. Our start wasn’t the best. But the most important thing is the victory,” Man of the Match Omar Marmoush said. “We created a lot of chances without being able to score quickly, but in the end, everything went well.”
“We maintained a good mindset and finished the match strongly. We will learn from everything that happened in tonight’s match.”
Monday’s AFCON results
Mali 1-1 Zambia
South Africa 2-1 Angola
Egypt 2-1 Zimbabwe.