Egypt opened their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a dramatic 2–1 victory over Zimbabwe in a Group B encounter played on Monday night at the Grand Stade d’Agadir, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports
The Pharaohs started on the front foot and went close early on when Trezeguet’s header in the 7th minute was well saved by Zimbabwe's goalkeeper, Washington Arubi. Zimbabwe responded ten minutes later as Fabisch tested Mohamed El Shenawy, who made a comfortable save to keep the scores level.
Against the run of play, Zimbabwe took a shock lead in the 20th minute through Prince Dube, who finished clinically to put the Warriors ahead. Zimbabwe nearly doubled its advantage five minutes later, but El Shenawy produced a fine save to rescue Egypt.
Egypt pushed hard for an equaliser, with Omar Marmoush denied by another excellent save from Arubi in the 38th minute, as Zimbabwe went into the break with a 1–0 lead.
The Pharaohs dominated possession after the restart but struggled to break down a resolute Zimbabwe defence. Arubi continued to frustrate Egypt, pulling off another outstanding save in the 54th minute.
Persistence finally paid off in the 62nd minute, when Omar Marmoush found the back of the net to draw Egypt level.
With the match heading for a draw, Mohamed Salah delivered the decisive moment deep into stoppage time. In the 90+1st minutes, the Egyptian captain struck to complete the comeback and secure all three points for his side.
Uche Dozie