December 23, 2025 – Agadir, Morocco – Mohamed Salah delivered a dramatic late goal to give Egypt a 2-1 comeback victory over Zimbabwe in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 opener at the Grande Stade d’Agadir on Monday.

The Liverpool forward, starting his first match after being benched for four consecutive games, fired home a left-footed strike in the 91st minute, rescuing the seven-time champions after Zimbabwe went ahead in the first half through Prince Dube’s 20th-minute goal.

Egypt’s early dominance saw several chances go begging, including a near miss from Washington Navaya and a late opportunity for substitute Ahmed Zizo. The Premier League contingent provided the breakthrough: Omar Marmoush equalised in the 64th minute with a superb solo effort, picking up a long pass on the left wing, cutting inside, and firing from an acute angle.

Salah, who had struggled to find his rhythm under the spotlight following a controversial Liverpool benching, held off his marker in stoppage time and steered the ball home for his first goal since early November. His strike ensured Egypt topped Group B alongside South Africa, who defeated Angola 2-1 earlier in Marrakesh.

Egypt will next face South Africa in Agadir on Boxing Day, while Zimbabwe takes on Angola in Marrakesh on Friday.