Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah struck deep into stoppage time as Egypt came from behind to beat Zimbabwe 2-1 in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group B matchday one fixture at the Stade Adrar in Agadir, Morocco.
Zimbabwe had taken a surprise first-half lead through Prince Dube and looked set to frustrate the seven-time champions before Omar Marmoush levelled in the second half, setting the stage for Salah’s late intervention.
The visitors stunned Egypt in the 20th minute when Emmanuel Jalai split the defence with a perfectly weighted pass, allowing Dube to show composure inside the box and slot the ball into the bottom-left corner beyond Mohamed El Shenawy.
Zimbabwe defended resolutely after taking the lead, limiting Egypt to half-chances despite heavy possession.
Photo Credit: Imago
Emam Ashour went closest before the break, firing narrowly wide after meeting a Mohamed Salah cross, while Trezeguet and Omar Marmoush both tested Washington Arubi without success.
Egypt emerged with renewed urgency after the interval and were finally rewarded in the 64th minute. Marmoush collected the ball inside the area, beat his marker and fired a superb strike under the crossbar, leaving Arubi rooted to the spot.
Photo Credit: Imago
The Pharaohs pressed for a winner as Zimbabwe began to tire, with Zizo, Mostafa Mohamed and Ibrahim Adel all wasting promising opportunities.
READ MORE:nigeria-vs-tanzania-chelle-confident-despite-absentees-ahead-of-afcon-2025-opener
Just as the contest appeared destined for a draw, Salah delivered the decisive moment in the first minute of added time. The Egypt captain latched onto Mostafa’s pass inside the penalty area and drove a low finish inside the right post to complete the turnaround.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
Zimbabwe were unable to respond in the remaining moments, as Egypt secured victory with virtually the final kick of the game.
