The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations exploded into life with a dramatic encounter in Group B, as Egypt snatched a 2-1 victory from Zimbabwe in the final moments.
Despite entering the match as clear favorites, Egypt found themselves trailing at halftime, forced to overcome a determined Zimbabwean side at the Stade Adrar in Agadir.
Prince Dube stunned the Egyptians in the 20th minute, giving Zimbabwe a surprising lead against the run of play. Egypt had dominated possession, with Mohamed Salah orchestrating attacks, but couldn’t convert their opportunities.
The second half witnessed a relentless Egyptian surge, pinning Zimbabwe deep within their own half. The pressure finally cracked the Warriors’ defense in the 63rd minute when Omar Marmoush leveled the score.
A historic draw loomed large for Zimbabwe as the clock ticked down, their defense holding firm against wave after wave of Egyptian attacks. The tension was palpable.
Then, in the 91st minute, Mohamed Salah delivered a moment of pure brilliance. Receiving the ball on the edge of the area, he shrugged off a challenge and calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper, igniting wild celebrations among the Egyptian supporters.
Salah’s late winner wasn’t just about securing three crucial points for Hossam Hassan’s team in their quest for a record-extending eighth continental title; it was a statement.
While his goalscoring form for Liverpool has faced scrutiny this season, Salah’s performance against Zimbabwe offered a compelling counter-narrative. His creativity and decisive finishing remained undiminished.
The match highlighted a pattern: Salah continues to thrive on the international stage, netting goals in World Cup qualifiers and now making a perfect start to his AFCON campaign. This suggests his recent club struggles may stem from tactical considerations rather than a decline in his individual ability.
His recent performance against Brighton, a 2-0 victory, served as another reminder of his enduring threat. The Egyptian King continues to demonstrate his value.
As the January transfer window approaches, speculation surrounding Salah’s future at Anfield intensifies. However, his performance in Agadir served as a powerful reminder that, when given the opportunity, he remains a force of nature on the football pitch.
For Egypt, the victory is a perfect launchpad for their AFCON journey. For Salah, it’s a reaffirmation of his status as a world-class talent, capable of producing moments of magic when his nation needs him most.
