Zimbabwe Stun Egypt Early But Lose To Salah’s Stoppage-Time Strike

Mohamed Salah scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner as Egypt came from behind to beat Zimbabwe 2–1 in their opening Group B match at the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco on Monday, 22 December, at the Grande Stade d’Agadir.

Salah struck with his left foot in the 91st minute to seal a late victory for the seven-time champions, who had been rocked by a spirited Zimbabwe side that took a surprise first-half lead.

Egypt dominated possession from the outset and piled early pressure on the Warriors’ defence, but it was Zimbabwe who broke the deadlock in the 20th minute. Emmanuel Jalai slipped a neat pass into Prince Dube, who turned smartly and calmly placed the ball into the bottom-left corner.

Zimbabwe almost doubled their advantage shortly afterwards. Daniel Msendami’s pace created panic in the Egyptian defence, allowing Washington Navaya to pounce, but goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy reacted quickly to gather the ball before it crossed the line.

Egypt eventually found a way back through Omar Marmoush in the 64th minute. Collecting a long pass on the left, the Manchester City forward cut inside and fired a powerful right-footed shot from a tight angle for a superb equaliser.

The Pharaohs pushed hard for a winner and created several chances. Substitute Ahmed Zizo missed a clear header at the back post from Mohamed Hamdy’s cross and then squandered another opportunity late on after being set up by Salah.

With the match heading for a draw, Salah delivered the decisive moment. He held off Teenage Hadebe, brought the ball under control and calmly steered it home to clinch all three points.

Elsewhere in Group B, South Africa beat Angola 2–1, while in Group A, Zambia and Mali played out a 1–1 draw.

Egypt next face South Africa on 26 December, with Zimbabwe taking on Angola on the same day.

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