Egypt win, but warning signs emerge in continental debut

Egypt opened their AFCON 2025 campaign with a victory that counts in the standings, but raises serious questions in the analysis. The 2-1 win over Zimbabwe in Agadir was anything but comfortable for one of the tournament favorites. Dominance, possession, and chances were not enough; the Pharaohs needed a dramatic finish to avoid what would have been a damaging opening stumble.

The context amplified the tension. Egypt arrived under historic pressure to win, with Mohamed Salah once again under the spotlight. The captain delivered, but the flow of the match made it clear that pedigree without efficiency is not always enough.

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Zimbabwe defy the script and expose Egypt’s cracks

The first blow was psychological. While Egypt controlled the tempo and pinned Zimbabwe deep in their own half, one defensive lapse was enough to flip the narrative. Prince Dube capitalized on an isolated moment to put the Warriors ahead, silencing the stadium and planting doubt in the group favorite.

Rather than collapsing, Zimbabwe dropped back with discipline and belief. Mario Marinica’s side read the moment perfectly, committing to defensive structure and forcing Egypt into static attacks. Frustration grew with every minute. The feeling was uncomfortable: the favorite dominated, but failed to hurt.

Marmoush sparks the response and restores hope

Facing urgency, Hossam Hassan reshaped his plan. The introduction of Mostafa Mohamed added physical presence and freed space for Omar Marmoush to take on a central role. The Manchester City forward became Egypt’s attacking engine and the first to break the resistance.

His powerful, decisive finish brought momentary calm and confirmed that Egypt have answers beyond their captain. Marmoush read the moment, attacked the spaces, and shifted the emotional momentum, forcing Zimbabwe deeper and deeper toward their own box.

Mohamed Salah, the leader who rises when it burns

As the clock ticked and anxiety peaked, Mohamed Salah emerged. The captain, symbol and ultimate reference, struck in stoppage time to secure the win and avoid a draw that would have been perceived as failure.

His finish did more than complete the comeback, reaffirmed his status as the player who decides even on uncomfortable nights. Egypt ultimately prevailed after an offensive avalanche, a figure that reflects dominance.

The result leaves Egypt well positioned in Group B, but with a clear warning: the margin for error is slim. The upcoming clash against South Africa looms as a far tougher test, one where the Pharaohs must combine control with efficiency to confirm their title credentials.

Egypt won. Salah delivered. But AFCON 2025 has already made one thing clear: no path will be easy.

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