Mohamed Salah's last-gasp strike sends Egypt past Zimbabwe in AFCON thriller

Mohamed Salah's last-gasp strike sends Egypt past Zimbabwe in AFCON thriller

The Pharaohs looked set for a shock as they came from behind to beat the Warriors thanks to a stoppage-time winner from captain Mohamed Salah.

Zimbabwe stunned the seven-time African champions early on. In the 20th minute, forward Prince Dube finished smartly after a low cross from Emmanuel Jalai, sending the underdogs into a surprise lead at the Stade Adrar.

The goal put Egypt on the back foot despite dominating possession.

Egypt piled on the pressure after the break, creating chance after chance as they searched for an equaliser. 

Their persistence paid off in the 64th minute when Omar Marmoush found space inside the Zimbabwe penalty area and fired a low drive into the net to level the score.

Despite controlling much of the match, with Egypt having more than three times as many shots as their opponents, the deadlock looked set to stand until late drama.

Deep into stoppage time, Salah reacted quickest inside the box and struck a left-foot finish past Zimbabwe's goalkeeper to secure the win for the Pharaohs.

The result keeps Egypt's hopes of progressing from Group B in strong shape and sets up a key game against South Africa next on 26 December.

Zimbabwe, for all their spirited defending and organisation, leaves Morocco knowing they were minutes from a famous point.

Related News

DR Congo clinch narrow victory over Benin in 2025 AFCON opener

DR Congo clinch narrow victory over Benin in 2025 AFCON opener

  • 3 hours ago

DR Congo made a winning start to their Africa Cup of Nations campaign on Tuesday with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Benin in Rabat, a result that lifted them to the top of Group D.

Hossam Hassan lauds matchwinner Mohamed Salah as Egypt kick off AFCON with last-gasp win

Hossam Hassan lauds matchwinner Mohamed Salah as Egypt kick off AFCON with last-gasp win

  • 5 hours ago

Egypt coach Hossam Hassan was full of praise for matchwinner Mohamed Salah following the Liverpool striker's stoppage time goal to seal a 2-1 come-from-behind Africa Cup of Nations opening day win over Zimbabwe.

Victor Osimhen: Nigeria determined to claim 'dream' AFCON trophy

Victor Osimhen: Nigeria determined to claim 'dream' AFCON trophy

  • 9 hours ago

Victor Osimhen has described the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as a major opportunity for Nigeria to bounce back from recent disappointments.

Tim Iroegbunam targets more game time after standout display for Everton vs Arsenal

Tim Iroegbunam targets more game time after standout display for Everton vs Arsenal

  • 11 hours ago

Tim Iroegbunam has said he is determined to seize his opportunity after being handed a rare run in Everton's midfield as David Moyes deals with growing selection problems.