Mohamed Salah scored a stoppage-time goal to rescue Egypt from the brink of frustration as they fought back to secure a 2-1 victory over Zimbabwe in Group B of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.
The seven-time champions appeared to be heading towards a damaging opening-day setback despite dominating possession until their pressure told, with Salah delivering when it mattered most.
Despite Egypt’s dominance, it was Zimbabwe who struck first. In the 20th minute, Jordan Jalai surged down the flank before picking out Prince Dube, who spun inside the penalty area and placed a precise finish beyond Mohamed El Shenawy.
The response after the break was immediate. Egypt raised the tempo, pushed their full-backs higher and began to stretch Zimbabwe’s defensive shape. Marmoush, increasingly influential, finally delivered the equaliser in the 63rd minute, racing down the wing and finishing emphatically to restore parity.
The breakthrough finally arrived in stoppage time. Salah controlled a high ball inside the area, slipped past his marker and finished decisively to spark celebrations among the Egyptian players and fans.
REACTION
Omar Marmoush – TotalEnergies Man of the Match: “It was a difficult match. Our start wasn’t the best. But the most important thing is the victory. We created a lot of chances without being able to score quickly, but in the end, everything went well. We maintained a good mindset and finished the match strongly. We will learn from everything that happened in tonight’s match.”
Hossam Hassan, Egypt coach: “We created several opportunities in this match, but in the first half we were not very focused. Zimbabwe’s style of play frustrated us a bit and we were unable to do what we wanted. In the second half, we took the chances we had. We have good players and everyone is performing at the top of their game. I believe Zimbabwe wanted to protect their lead, but I am delighted that we were able to come back and eventually win the match. Our bench also helped us tonight. We knew the potential we have. We will continue working on the weak areas from this match to improve in the next one.”
Mario Marinica, Zimbabwe coach: “We played a good match. We started well and the players stuck to the game plan we had prepared. But the quality of the Egyptian players made the difference. It is disappointing to lose a match like that. But we are proud of our players. We must stay the course, and we will aim to get at least four points from the next two matches to qualify.”
