Salah Strikes Late As Egypt Survive Zimbabwe Scare
Mohamed Salah scored deep into stoppage time to hand Egypt a dramatic 2-1 victory over Zimbabwe in their Africa Cup of Nations Group B opener at Stade d'Agadir.
Egypt were forced to dig deep before edging Zimbabwe 2-1 in a tense Africa Cup of Nations Group B encounter on Monday night, with captain Mohamed Salah delivering the decisive blow in injury time.
The Pharaohs dominated possession in the early stages but were stunned in the 20th minute when Zimbabwe struck first. Prince Dube finished calmly from close range after a well-worked move down the right, leaving the Egyptian defence exposed and silencing the crowd in Agadir.
Zimbabwe remained organised and disciplined, frustrating Egypt for long spells in the first half. Despite sustained pressure, clear chances were limited, and Washington Arubi stood firm in goal as the Warriors went into the break with a shock 1-0 lead.
Egypt emerged with renewed urgency after halftime and pinned Zimbabwe deep inside their own half. The equaliser finally arrived in the 64th minute when Omar Marmoush drove in from the left and fired a powerful shot from a tight angle to beat Arubi and restore parity.
With momentum firmly on their side, Egypt pushed relentlessly for a winner. Chances came and went as Salah, Mostafa Mohamed and Zizo all went close, while Zimbabwe threatened sporadically on the counter through Macauley Bonne and Dube.
Just when the match appeared to be heading for a draw, Egypt found the breakthrough in the first minute of stoppage time. Mostafa Mohamed rose highest to flick on a cross, and Salah reacted quickest in the box to guide a left-footed finish into the bottom corner, sparking wild celebrations among the Egyptian players and fans.
Zimbabwe fought bravely until the final whistle but were left empty-handed after conceding so late. Egypt claimed a vital three points to start their Group B campaign on a positive note, while the Warriors were left to rue missed chances and a lapse in concentration at the death.
Egypt now turn their attention to their next group fixture as they look to build momentum, while Zimbabwe must regroup quickly to keep their qualification hopes alive.
