Egyptian Stars Salah and Marmoush Step Up as Pharaohs Grind Out Result Against Stubborn Zimbabwe
it took a 91st-minute intervention from captain Mohamed Salah to finally break the spirit of a remarkably stubborn Zimbabwe side.
Egypt – Zimbabwe was billed as a routine opening-day victory for the seven-time champions, but Egypt’s path to three points at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations was anything but straightforward.
The Shock: Zimbabwe Strike First
Despite Egypt dominating nearly 80% of possession in the early stages, the Warriors of Zimbabwe refused to follow the script. In the 20th minute, the Stade Adrar was stunned into silence.
Prince Dube capitalized on a rare lapse in the Egyptian backline, receiving a cross from Emmanuel Jalai, spinning his marker with elite composure, and firing a precise finish past Mohamed El Shenawy. For much of the first half, Zimbabwe’s low block and the heroic saves of veteran goalkeeper Washington Arubi left the Pharaohs looking uncharacteristically toothless.
The Turning Point: Marmoush Takes Charge
Frustration was palpable on the Egyptian bench, leading coach Hossam Hassan to make a bold tactical change just 34 minutes in. The shift allowed Omar Marmoush to drift into a more creative role, and the Manchester City forward eventually provided the spark Egypt desperately needed.
In the 63rd minute, Marmoush embarked on a blistering solo run down the left flank, cutting inside to smash an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net. His energy transformed the Egyptian attack, turning a static performance into a relentless siege on the Zimbabwean goal.
The Finale: Cometh the Hour, Cometh the King
With the clock ticking into stoppage time and a draw appearing inevitable, Mohamed Salah reminded the continent why he remains Egypt’s talisman. After a chaotic scramble in the box, the ball fell to the Liverpool star. With three defenders closing in, Salah swivelled and drilled a low, left-footed effort into the bottom corner, sparking wild celebrations in the stands.
The victory was a testament to Egypt’s endurance, having attempted over 30 shots throughout the match. While Zimbabwe can hold their heads high after a disciplined defensive performance, the night belonged to the star duo who kept Egypt’s title dreams on track.
What This Means for Group B
Egypt joins South Africa at the top of Group B after Bafana Bafana also secured a 2-1 win over Angola. While the Pharaohs got the result they needed, the “stubborn” resistance shown by Zimbabwe serves as a warning that there will be no easy games in this tournament.
Egypt face a massive top-of-the-table clash against South Africa on Friday, December 26.
