Mohamed Salah once again proved why he is regarded as one of world football’s most ruthless finishers, scoring a dramatic stoppage-time winner as Egypt came from behind to defeat Zimbabwe in their opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Liverpool superstar’s club career is already packed with major trophies, but one prize has consistently eluded him: the AFCON title. For much of Egypt’s Group B clash in Agadir, Morocco, it appeared that the Pharaohs’ quest for continental glory might begin with frustration rather than celebration.
Despite dominating possession and creating the better chances, Egypt found themselves trailing at the break after Prince Dube stunned the seven-time African champions with a well-taken first-half goal against the run of play.
Zimbabwe Shock Egypt Despite Relentless Pressure
Nicknamed the Egyptian King, Salah was central to nearly all of Egypt’s attacking threat in the opening half. He delivered two dangerous crosses to the far post that should have produced goals, but Trezeguet and Emam Ashour failed to convert. Veteran Zimbabwe goalkeeper Washington Arubi, at 40 years old, turned back the clock with a string of impressive saves, including a stunning stop that tipped Trezeguet’s header onto the underside of the crossbar.
Egypt’s attacking intent left space at the back, and Zimbabwe capitalized in the 20th minute. Dube showed superb control and composure inside the penalty area, spinning away from his marker before calmly side-footing past the goalkeeper to give the Warriors a shock lead.
The goal gave Zimbabwe belief, and for large spells they defended heroically as Egypt continued to pile on the pressure.
Marmoush Restores Parity as Egypt Push Forward
Egypt’s persistence finally paid off in the 64th minute when Omar Marmoush, the Manchester City forward, dragged his side level. Cutting in from the left, Marmoush unleashed a powerful strike from a tight angle that flew into the roof of the net, leaving Arubi with no chance.
Before and after the equaliser, Egypt created a host of opportunities. Marmoush had earlier forced another strong save with a long-range effort, while Zizo and Salah both squandered chances that might have wrapped up the match sooner.
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, relied heavily on defensive resilience and the tireless work of Macauley Bonne, who fought alone up front as the Warriors attempted to hold out for a historic result.
Salah Delivers When It Matters Most
As the match edged into stoppage time, the atmosphere suggested Egypt might have to settle for a draw. But champions often find a way — and Salah did exactly that.
Displaying trademark awareness and strength inside the penalty area, the 33-year-old reacted quickest to a loose ball, holding off his defender before poking a composed finish inside Arubi’s left post. The goal sealed all three points and sent Egyptian supporters into raptures.
It was a harsh ending for Zimbabwe, whose disciplined display deserved credit, but Egypt will not apologise for a victory that could prove vital in a tightly contested group.
Can Salah Finally Lift the AFCON Trophy?
Having lost two previous AFCON finals, Salah will hope that playing on North African soil in Morocco can finally tilt fate in his favour. His influence against Zimbabwe underlined both his leadership and his enduring hunger for international success.
Egypt will look to sharpen their finishing when they face South Africa in their next Group B match in Agadir on Friday. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, travel to Marrakesh to take on Angola, determined to build on an encouraging performance despite the late heartbreak.
For Egypt and their talisman, this dramatic opener may yet prove the first chapter in a story that ends with AFCON glory in Rabat next month.
Leave a Reply