AFCON 2025: Marmoush and Salah rescue Egypt against Zimbabwe in Group B Opener

Egypt left it late in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations opener, coming from behind to snatch a 2-1 victory over Zimbabwe at the Adrar Stadium on Monday, December 22.

The Warriors struck first through Prince Dube, who broke the deadlock in the 20th minute, but Hossam Hassan’s men rallied after the break. Omar Marmoush levelled matters on 63 minutes before Mohamed Salah, quiet for much of the game, delivered the decisive blow in stoppage time.

First-half action

The Pharaohs dominated early possession and carved out chances. Marwan Attia fired over from distance on 10 minutes, while Emam Ashour went close two minutes later after linking up with Salah.

Zimbabwe, however, stunned the favourites with the first shot on target. Jonah Fabisch’s header forced Mohamed El Shenawy into a save on 18 minutes, and just two minutes later Emmanuel Jalai picked out Dube, who calmly slotted into the bottom corner.

Egypt pressed for an equaliser before the interval. Marmoush tested Washington Arubi from range on 38 minutes, while Trezeguet’s header on the stroke of half-time was blocked by the veteran keeper. Mostafa Mohamed squandered a golden chance in added time, mis-hitting his effort inside the box.

Second-half turnaround

Marmoush threatened again early in the second half, denied by Arubi’s smart save on 54 minutes. But the forward eventually found his reward, rifling home from inside the area just after the hour mark to restore parity.

Egypt pushed for a winner, with Mostafa Mohamed and Zizo both missing headed opportunities. Arubi continued to stand firm, keeping out Ibrahim Adel’s strike in the 77th minute.

Zimbabwe rarely threatened after the break, with Tawanda Chirewa blasting over from distance late on. The decisive moment came in added time when Salah latched onto a pass in the box and drilled his shot inside the right post, sealing all three points for Egypt.

What’s next

Egypt face South Africa on December 26, while Zimbabwe meet COSAFA rivals Angola the same day. Bafana Bafana beat Angola 2-1 in their first Group B match