AFCON: Salah sinks Zimbabwe as Egypt win it late

Egypt avoided a surprise result on Tuesday at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after Mohamed Salah struck late to secure a 2-1 victory over Zimbabwe in Agadir, Morocco.

As predicted, the North Africans attempted to establish control early and were on the front foot. In a wave of opportunities from the opening ten minutes, Zimbabwe goalkeeper Washington Arubi was called into action to save brilliantly from a close range header by Trezeguet after the winger was set up by a Mohamed Salah cross.

But the Pharaohs were left stunned in the 20th minute when the Warriors struck on the counter-attack. Emmanuel Jalai’s early cross from the right wing caught the Egyptian defense off guard and Prince Dube collected the ball with a clean first touch before finishing past goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy.

Frustration kicked in for the North Africans amidst an excellent defensive effort from the underdogs, who limited the favorites mostly to crosses and long range attempts that were easily dealt with. Marmoush failed to convert a couple of notable opportunities and the Warriors held onto the lead going into halftime.

Eventually, however, a moment of brilliance arrived and it was Marmoush who leveled the match in the 63rd minute. Left back Mohamed Hamdy played the Manchester City attacker in behind the defense on the left wing and Marmoush moved in on goal before firing his shot past Arubi and into the roof of the net.

After previously creating their fair share of danger through counter-attacks and direct play, the Warriors team bunkered down further. But in the final stretch, a series of headers led to Salah collecting the ball ten yards from goal and the Liverpool forward struck a bouncing shot just beyond the reach of Arubi to spare his team’s blushes.

Egypt will next face South Africa on Friday in a clash between Group B favorites while Zimbabwe next clash against Angola.