Mohamed Salah scored a 91st-minute winner as Egypt came from behind to defeat Zimbabwe 2-1 in their opening Group B match at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 in Agadir, Morocco. Omar Marmoush equalized for the Pharaohs after Prince Dube's early strike for the Warriors. The victory keeps Egypt's unbeaten record against Zimbabwe intact for over 30 years.
Egypt began their quest for an eighth AFCON title with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Zimbabwe on December 22, 2025, at the Grand Stade d’Agadir. The seven-time champions, coached by Hossam Hassan, faced an early setback when Prince Dube fired Zimbabwe ahead in the 20th minute, turning neatly in the box to beat goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy.
The Pharaohs dominated possession but struggled to break through initially. Salah created the first chance with a curling cross that Mahmoud Trezeguet headed on target, only for Washington Arubi to parry it away. Emam Ashour then prodded wide from close range. Egypt's goalkeeper El Shenawy nearly gifted Zimbabwe a second goal five minutes after Dube's opener, mishandling a shot that allowed Washington Navaya a chance at an empty net.
After the hour mark, Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush leveled the score, capitalizing on a lapse by Zimbabwe's Godknows Murwira to smash the ball into the roof of the net. Egypt pressed forward, with Zizo heading over from four yards out. Just as a draw seemed likely, captain Salah swivelled in the 91st minute and fired a left-footed shot into the net, securing all three points and sparking celebrations on the Egyptian bench.
Zimbabwe, under new coach Mario Marinica and absent key qualifier scorer Walter Musona, showed resilience in their sixth AFCON appearance but couldn't hold the lead. Knowledge Musona, with 26 international goals, started on the bench. Egypt join South Africa, who beat Angola earlier, at the top of Group B. The match highlighted Salah's importance, contesting his fifth AFCON amid recent form at Liverpool.
