Egypt commenced their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Zimbabwe in their opening Group B fixture in Agadir, Morocco. The decisive goal came in injury-time from captain Mohamed Salah, securing three crucial points for the seven-time champions after a hard-fought encounter on Monday.

Zimbabwe, considered underdogs, stunned Egypt by taking an unexpected lead in the 20th minute. Prince Dube capitalized on a cross from Emmanuel Jalai, controlled the ball inside the box, and fired a low shot past Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy. Despite Egypt's early dominance and numerous chances created in the first 10 minutes, a combination of poor finishing and commendable goalkeeping from Zimbabwe's 40-year-old Washington Arubi kept the southern African side ahead, almost extending their lead when Daniel Msendami set up another opportunity.

Egypt's relentless pressure eventually paid off in the 64th minute when Omar Marmoush netted the equalizer. Marmoush received a long pass on the left wing, expertly cut inside, and unleashed a superb solo goal with his right foot from an acute angle, restoring parity. Marmoush reflected on the game, stating, "We created many chances without being able to score early, but in the end everything went well. We kept a good mindset and finished the match strongly. We will learn from everything that happened in tonight’s game.”

As the match progressed into added time, the moment arrived for Mohamed Salah. The Liverpool forward, who had struggled to find his rhythm for large parts of the game after coming into the tournament under scrutiny, latched onto a loose ball in the penalty area. Holding off his marker, Salah calmly steered the ball home in the 91st minute, securing the late victory and his first goal since early last month. This vital win also broke a frustrating run of six successive draws for Egypt in the last two editions of the Cup of Nations. Although Salah boasts a trophy cabinet filled with silverware from his club career, he is yet to lift the coveted Afcon trophy with the Pharaohs.

The victory places Egypt level on three points with South Africa at the top of Group B, following Bafana Bafana’s earlier 2-1 win over Angola in Marrakesh. Egypt will aim to improve their finishing when they face South Africa in their next Group B encounter in Agadir on Friday, which coincides with Boxing Day. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe will travel to Marrakesh to take on Angola in their subsequent fixture.