Mohamed Salah Leads Egypt to Victory Over Zimbabwe in Afcon Opener
Mohamed Salah demonstrated his scoring prowess by netting an injury-time winner, leading Egypt to a 2-1 comeback victory over Zimbabwe in their opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite a trophy-laden career at Liverpool, Salah has yet to lift the Afcon trophy with the Egyptian national team. For much of the match in Morocco, it appeared this tournament might not start favorably for the Pharaohs.
While Salah is often referred to as the Egyptian King, it was Prince Dube who gave Zimbabwe an unexpected lead with a first-half goal against the run of play in Agadir.
Egypt struggled with finishing, and the impressive goalkeeping of 40-year-old Washington Arubi kept Zimbabwe hopeful of pulling off an upset. However, Manchester City striker Omar Marmoush equalized for Egypt in the 64th minute, striking a powerful shot into the net.
As the match entered added time, Salah capitalized on a loose ball in the penalty area, finding the back of the net to secure three points for Egypt, the seven-time champions.
Looking ahead, Egypt will aim to enhance their finishing skills when they face South Africa in their next Group B match in Agadir on Friday, while Zimbabwe will head to Marrakesh to take on Angola.