Bafana Rival Watch: Salah Nets Late Winner For Egypt

Photo by Ayman Aref/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Bafana Bafana’s Group B rivals Egypt started their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Zimbabwe on Monday night.

2025 Africa Cup of Nations

Result: Egypt 2-1 Zimbabwe

Date: 22 December 2025

Venue: Stade Adrar

The Pharaohs were able to call on Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush to lead their attack while Marumo Gallants goalkeeper Washington Arubi started in goal ahead of Elvis Chipezeze for the Warriors.

Arubi came to Zimbabwe’s rescue in the opening ten minutes of the contest when Salah did well to pick out Trezeguet at the far post, however the veteran shot-stopper produced a fine save on the line to keep out the header while Salah had a close-range effort blocked moments later.

Egypt were made to rue those early misses as Zimbabwe took the lead on 20 minutes as Prince Dube collected a cross from Emmanuel Jalai and turned neatly before firing into the far corner.

With Egypt struggling to carve out chances, coach Hossam Hassan made a surprise tactical change ten minutes before the halftime break as Emam Ashour made way for Mostafa Mohamed, who provided a more direct and physical approach upfront for the Pharaohs.

The Egyptians carried the dominance into the second half with Marmoush leading the charge as he managed to go close to scoring inside the opening ten minutes with a strike from the edge of the box, but Arubi produced another fine save to keep Zimbabwe in the lad.

Zimbabwe’s resistance broke on 63 minutes when the lively Marmoush embarked on a surging run into the box before firing past Arubi from a tight angle to set up a nervy finish to the second half.

The Warriors responded with a double change for the final 20 minutes as Tawanda Chirewa and Prosper Padera were introduced in place of Daniel Msendami and Dube to freshen up the attack.

With the game seemingly headed for a draw, Salah popped up with the winning goal for the seven-time African champions on 90 minutes after holding off Teenage Hadebe and firing into the bottom corner.

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