Salah strikes late as Egypt edge past Zimbabwe | OneFootball

Egypt were made to work hard for their 2-1 victory over Zimbabwe in Agadir on Tuesday, with Mohamed Salah netting the decisive goal late on to keep the Pharaohs on track at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The North Africans started on the front foot, pressing high and creating early chances. In the first ten minutes, Trezeguet got on the end of a clever Salah cross, but Zimbabwe keeper Washington Arubi produced a fine close-range save to deny the winger.

Zimbabwe, however, were far from overawed. On the 20-minute mark, they caught Egypt on the break. Emmanuel Jalai’s cross from the right found Prince Dube, who controlled expertly and finished past Mohamed El Shenawy to give the underdogs an unexpected lead.

The rest of the first half was a frustrating watch for Egypt as Zimbabwe’s defence held firm, forcing the Pharaohs into speculative long-range efforts and crosses that rarely caused danger. Omar Marmoush had a couple of chances but couldn’t find the net, and the visitors held on to their slender advantage at the interval.

Egypt finally drew level in the 63rd minute. Left-back Mohamed Hamdy sent a pinpoint pass to Marmoush on the left flank, and the Manchester City forward made no mistake, curling a shot into the roof of the net.

Zimbabwe tried to regroup and slowed the game down, hoping to snatch something late on. But in the dying minutes, a scramble in the box saw Salah pick up the loose ball and fire a bouncing shot past Arubi, sealing a hard-fought win for the favourites.

Next up for Egypt is a crucial Group B clash with South Africa on Friday, while Zimbabwe will look to bounce back against Angola.

Incidents: The story of the match

1':

The match begins Zizo makes appearance number 1 in the competition - used as a sub on 1 occasions.

10':

Missed opportunity! Marwan Attia from Egypt took a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it went wide.

10':

Missed opportunity! Marwan Attia from Egypt takes a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it sails over the crossbar.

12':

Missed opportunity! Emam Ashour from Egypt took a right-footed shot from the left side of the penalty area, but it went wide to the right. He was set up by Mohamed Salah.

Zimbabwe takes the lead against Egypt with a score of 1-0. Prince Dube scores with a left-footed strike from the middle of the penalty area.

20':

GOAL Zimbabwe: Prince Dube (Zimbabwe) scores!

35':

Missed opportunity! Hossam Abdelmaguid from Egypt heads the ball over the bar from just a short distance. The chance came after a corner, set up by a cross from Mohamed Salah.

36':

Missed opportunity. Washington Navaya from Zimbabwe took a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area.

36':

Missed opportunity. Washington Navaya from Zimbabwe takes a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it goes wide to the left.

45 +1':

Missed opportunity! Omar Marmoush from Egypt took a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it went wide.

63':

Missed opportunity! Macauley Bonne from Zimbabwe took a right-footed shot from the right side of the penalty area, but it went wide to the left. He was assisted by Washington Arubi.

The score is now Egypt 1, Zimbabwe 1. Omar Marmoush has found the net for Egypt with a right-footed strike from a challenging position on the left side.

64':

GOAL Egypt: Omar Marmoush (Egypt) scores!

Omar Marmoush scores goal number 1 in the competition (1 matches)

70':

Missed opportunity! Mostafa Mohamed from Egypt directed a header from the right side of the six-yard area, but it went off target.

73':

Missed opportunity! Zizo from Egypt took a right-footed shot from the right side of the six-yard box, but it went wide.

78':

Missed opportunity! Mohamed Salah from Egypt took a left-footed shot from the left side of the penalty area.

80':

Missed opportunity. Ibrahim Adel from Egypt takes a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it sails high and to the right of the goal.

86':

Missed opportunity! Tawanda Chirewa from Zimbabwe took a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area that nearly found the top right corner but ultimately went wide. He was set up by Marvelous Nakamba after a quick counterattack.

90':

Missed opportunity. Zizo from Egypt takes a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area.

Egypt takes the lead 2-1 against Zimbabwe. Mohamed Salah scores with a left-footed strike from the middle of the penalty area.Egypt takes the lead with a score of 2-1 against Zimbabwe. Mohamed Salah finds the net with a left-footed strike from the center of the area, placing the ball into the bottom right corner. The assist came from Mostafa Mohamed, who set him up with a header.Egypt takes the lead with a score of 2-1 against Zimbabwe. Mohamed Salah scores with a left-footed strike from the center of the area, finding the bottom right corner of the net. The assist comes from Mostafa Mohamed, who set him up with a header.

90 +1':

GOAL Egypt: Mohamed Salah (Egypt) scores!

90 +1':

GOAL Egypt: Mohamed Salah (Egypt) scores!

Mohamed Salah scores goal number 1 in the competition (1 matches)

998':

The referee whistles for the end of the match

998':

The referee whistles for the end of the match