Can Egypt win AFCON 2025? Zimbabwe coach isn’t convinced

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·4 January 2026

Can Egypt win AFCON 2025? Zimbabwe coach isn’t convinced

Praise and doubt in one breath

Can Egypt win AFCON 2025? Zimbabwe coach isn’t convinced

OneFootball Videos

Zimbabwe national team goalkeeping coach Pernell McKop heaped praise on Liverpool star Mohamed Salah while casting doubt over Egypt’s ability to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations currently being held in Morocco.

Egypt opened their AFCON campaign with dramatic 2 -1 victory over Zimbabwe in the group stage overturning early deficit with second half goals from Omar Marmoush & late winner by Salah.

Speaking to Liverpool Echo McKop admitted that Zimbabwe punished by moment of individual brilliance despite believing his side deserved at least point.

“We deserved point against Egypt but the two goal we conceded came from moments we gave away against very strong team” McKop said.

Zimbabwe led 1 - 0 for large periods of the match and frustrated Egypt defensively before concentration slipped in final moments.

"We controlled the game for most of the ninety minute. Then in the 91 minute we lost our focus for just one minute during which Salah managed to exploit it and punish us. that's Salah.. he does it week after week with Liverpool and unfortunately we witnessed it ourselves."

McKop highlighted Zimbabwe’s defensive discipline but admitted that against player of Salah’s quality single lapse can be fatal.

“We defended very well and forced Egypt to shoot from distance. When they got into the box , Arubi made excellent saves. The frustration came from conceding in that way.”

“Hadebe did outstanding job containing Salah for 90 minute but in decisive moment he finished the game.. all our effort was undone”..

Despite acknowledging the strength of Egypt's defense Makop questioned whether Egypt was capable of winning AFCON 2025.

“I think it will be very difficult for Egypt to win the tournament,” he said. “They rely heavily on Salah, Omar Marmoush and one or 2 other in final third.”

Zimbabwe's goalkeeping coach didn't completely rule out Egypt's chances of qualifying but remained unconvinced that they were the favorites to win the tournament concluding: