Mohamed Salah delivered a moment of late drama to rescue Egypt as the seven-time Africa Cup of Nations champions edged past Zimbabwe 2-1 in a tense Group B encounter in Agadir on Monday.
The Liverpool forward, who arrived at the tournament amid intense speculation surrounding his club future, struck deep into added time to spare Egypt’s blushes after a spirited performance from the lowest-ranked side in the group. Salah capitalised on a loose ball inside the penalty area and calmly guided a precise finish beyond veteran goalkeeper Washington Arubi, sending the predominantly Egyptian crowd into celebration.
Egypt were heavy favourites heading into the contest, but the match quickly developed into a stubborn test of patience. The Pharaohs dominated possession from the outset, pinning Zimbabwe deep inside their own half and circulating the ball around the edge of the penalty area. Despite the pressure, clear-cut chances were limited as Zimbabwe defended with discipline and numbers.
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Against the run of play, Zimbabwe stunned Egypt in the 20th minute. Emmanuel Jalai’s delivery into the box caused confusion, and Prince Dube showed composure to control the ball before firing a low shot past Mohamed El Shenawy to give the Warriors a shock lead. The goal silenced the stadium and visibly frustrated Egypt coach Hossam Hassan on the touchline.
Egypt pushed hard for an equaliser before the break. Salah remained lively, delivering dangerous crosses and probing the defence, while Omar Marmoush tested Arubi with a long-range effort that required a fine save. Zimbabwe, however, held firm and went into half-time with a surprise advantage.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Egypt camped in Zimbabwe’s territory. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 63rd minute when Marmoush timed his run perfectly to beat the offside line, surged into the box, and blasted a powerful finish from a narrow angle to restore parity.
With the score level, Egypt increased the tempo in search of a winner. Salah went close late on but rushed his effort under pressure. Zimbabwe continued to resist bravely, and the match appeared destined for a draw until the decisive moment in stoppage time.
Salah, alert and determined, reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box and placed his shot beyond Arubi to complete the comeback. The goal secured three vital points for Egypt and underlined Salah’s enduring importance to the national side.
After the match, Hassan praised his captain’s mentality, insisting off-field uncertainty had not affected his focus. Egypt now sit level on three points with South Africa after the opening round of Group B fixtures.
Salah, who has twice finished runner-up at the Africa Cup of Nations, is targeting a first continental title as he aims to lead Egypt to a record-extending eighth crown. This dramatic opening victory may prove a crucial step in that pursuit.
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