AFCON 2025: Battle lines drawn in Group B as Marmoush makes bold claim

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AFCON 2025: Battle lines drawn in Group B as Marmoush makes bold claim
2025, 17 November - Al Ain, UAE - Omar Marmoush of Egypt national team, Nationalteam during the FIFA friendly international team match between Egypt National team and Cape Verde National team at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Ak Ain, UAE. FIFA Friendly international match, Länderspiel, Nationalmannschaft Egypt National team v Cape Verde National team before World Cup 2026 Copyright: xSebastianxFrejx

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off with fireworks in Group B, where Egypt, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Angola are set to battle for supremacy. The spotlight falls firmly on the Pharaohs, who open their campaign against Zimbabwe at the Adrar Stadium in Agadir on Monday, 22 December, with kick-off at 10pm CAT.

Egypt vs Zimbabwe: Pharaohs Seek Statement Win

Egypt enter the tournament as favorites, boasting a dominant record against Zimbabwe. The two sides met in the opening matches of the 2004 and 2019 editions, both won by Egypt, and the Pharaohs remain unbeaten in their last 10 encounters with the Warriors.

Recent form also favors Egypt, who edged Nigeria 2-1 in a warm-up friendly on 16 December. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, arrive with confidence after a 2-1 victory over Qatar in November, but face a daunting task against a side brimming with ambition.

Forward Omar Marmoush has made headlines by boldly declaring Egypt’s intent to win not only AFCON but also the FIFA World Cup.

“We’ll win the African Cup of Nations, of course, and then we’ll win the World Cup,” he said, underlining the Pharaohs’ hunger to dominate both continental and global football.

South Africa: Dark Horses

South Africa, drawn alongside Egypt in Group B, will be eager to prove themselves as serious contenders. Bafana Bafana have shown resilience in recent qualifiers and friendlies, and their pace and physicality could trouble any opponent. Their clash with Angola will be crucial in determining whether they can push Egypt for top spot or secure progression as runners-up.

Angola: Underdogs with Potential

Angola enter the group as underdogs but cannot be underestimated. Known for their disciplined defensive structure and ability to frustrate stronger sides, they will look to capitalize on any slip-ups from their rivals. Matches against Zimbabwe and South Africa may prove decisive in their bid to reach the knockout stages.

Group Outlook

With Egypt’s pedigree and Marmoush’s rallying cry setting the tone, the Pharaohs are expected to lead the group. South Africa and Angola will battle fiercely for second place, while Zimbabwe must defy history to keep their hopes alive.

For Egypt, however, the mission is clear: start strong, conquer Africa, and then chase the ultimate dream of World Cup glory.

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.

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