Marmoush and Salah fire Egypt to dramatic 2–1 win over Zimbabwe | OneFootball

Egypt secured a last-gasp 2–1 victory over Zimbabwe to kick off their Africa Cup of Nations campaign on Monday evening.

Egypt got off to a flying start, with Mohamed Salah impressing early on.

The Liverpool star created the game’s first chance in the fifth minute, picking out Trezeguet at the back post, but the latter glanced his header wide.

Salah was at his creative best again in the 12th minute, whipping another brilliant cross for Emam Ashour, who disappointedly failed to hit the target.

Egypt were made to rue their missed chances as Zimbabwe broke the deadlock with Emmanuel Jalai delivering a low cross for Prince Dube to bury the ball into the bottom corner.

The Pharaohs continued to dominate possession, but Zimbabwe looked threatening on the counter.

Omar Marmoush passed up an opportunity to restore parity for Egypt on the stroke of halftime, smashing the ball over the bar from a promising position.

Egypt began the second half on the front. They spurned a chance to equalise when Trezeguet delivered a delightful cross, only for Mostafa Mohamed to fail to connect to cleanly.

Marmoush then forced goalkeeper Washington Arubi to make a good save as Egypt continued their push for an equaliser.

The Manchester City forward eventually brought Egypt level in the 63rd minute, receiving a brilliant pass from Mohamed Hamdi and blasting the ball into the roof of the net.

Shortly after, Arubi did well to keep out Mohamed’s strike, before the Nantes forward squandered an opportunity to put Egypt ahead.

Egypt’s substitute Zizo could not believe his luck when he arrived at the far post to meet Hamdi’s cross, but his effort sailed wide.

Just when Zimbabwe thought they could hold on, Salah stepped up, showing strength and composure to put the ball home and secure maximum points for Egypt.