Egyptian national team captain, Mohamed Salah
Drama unfolded at the Grande Stade d’Agadir as Zimbabwe grabbed the opening goal, immediately putting Egypt on the back foot.
The Pharaohs began the match on a high note, with Emam Ashour spurning an early promising chance, before following it up with another effort that was comfortably dealt with by Warriors goalkeeper Washington Arubi.
While Egypt appeared to be in control during the opening 15 minutes, Zimbabwe turned the tables as Prince Dube’s sublime first touch from an Emmanuel Jalai pass set him up perfectly, before he calmly finished to put the visitors in the lead. The hosts’ desperate response soon forced an early change, with Ashour making way for Mostafa Mohamed.
Despite Omar Marmoush’s tireless efforts, Egypt was unable to find a way back into the contest before the half-time interval.
The second half sprang to life when the Manchester City forward finally broke through, grabbing the equaliser for the Pharaohs.
The hosts then took control, relentlessly hunting for a second goal and keeping the Marumo Gallants shot-stopper busy between the sticks.
Their pressure eventually paid off as Mohamed Salah beat Teenage Hadebe in the 90th minute to seal the victory.
Mo Salah scores a stoppage-time winner in Egypt’s AFCON opener 🇪🇬
King behavior 👑pic.twitter.com/EnLTfgeDxF
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) December 22, 2025
