- Sport
- Football
Egypt 2-1 Zimbabwe: Pharaohs frustrated for long spells by Zimbabwe but stoppage-time Mohamed Salah winner seals comeback victory
Flo Clifford Monday 22 December 2025 23:10 GMT- Bookmark
- CommentsGo to comments
Bookmark popover
Removed from bookmarks
Close popover
(AFP via Getty Images)Egypt came from behind to beat Zimbabwe in the first match of their Africa Cup of Nations campaign this evening, with captain Mohamed Salah breaking the Warriors’ hearts with a stoppage-time winner.
The Liverpool talisman is bidding to win the continental title for the first time, with the Pharaohs the most successful side in Afcon history, having won a record seven titles.
But their campaign got off to an unexpected start as Zimbabwe - who have only qualified six times and have never made it out of the group stage - took an early lead through a Prince Dube counter-attack 20 minutes in.
Egypt peppered Washington Arubi’s goal but it took until the 64th minute before they could drag themselves level, with Omar Marmoush scoring a brilliant equaliser, before Salah’s injury-time winner sealed all three points.
Follow all the latest updates from the Adrar Stadium below:
Recommended
Afcon 2025: How to watch every match for free on TV and online
Africa Cup of Nations 2025: Everything you need to know, from the team in crisis to the best games to watch
Afcon 2025 fixtures: Dates, start times and full schedule for Africa Cup of Nations
Egypt vs Zimbabwe live
- Egypt face Zimbabwe in the Africa Cup of Nations, with kick-off at 8pm GMT | Live on 4Seven
- '90+1 GOAL! Mohamed Salah breaks Zimbabwean hearts with late winner [EGY 2-1 ZWE]
- '64 GOAL! Marmoush scores superb equaliser [EGY 1-1 ZWE]
- '38 SAVE! Omar Marmoush forces fingertip save from Washington Arubi [EGY 0-1 ZWE]
- '20 GOAL! Prince Dube scores opener against run of play [EGY 0-1 ZWE]
Afcon key dates
The group stages run from Sunday 21 December to Wednesday 31 December. The knockout stages begin on Saturday 3 January. The final will be played on Sunday 18 January at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Flo Clifford22 December 2025 23:10Afcon fixtures
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Congo DR v Benin | 12:30 PM | Stade El Barid, Rabat, Morocco
Senegal v Botswana | 3:00 PM | Stade Ibn-Batouta, Tanger, Morocco
Nigeria v Tanzania | 5:30 PM | Complexe Sportif de Fès, Fès, Morocco
Tunisia v Uganda | 8:00 PM | Stade Olympique de Rabat, Rabat, Morocco
Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Burkina Faso v Equatorial Guinea | 12:30 PM | Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca, Morocco
Algeria v Sudan | 3:00 PM | Stade Prince Moulay Al Hassan, Rabat, Morocco
Ivory Coast v Mozambique | 5:30 PM | Stade de Marrakech, Marrakech, Morocco
Cameroon v Gabon | 8:00 PM | Le Grand Stade Agadir, Agadir, Morocco
Flo Clifford22 December 2025 23:00Why is the Africa Cup of Nations taking place over Christmas?
The Africa Cup of Nations kicked off in Morocco on Sunday 21 December, with the final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat to be played on Sunday 18 January - far earlier than when held at this time of the calendar than in previous years.
The 35th edition of the biennial tournament was initially set to be played in July and August 2025, in order to reduce disruption with the European football season.
But the timing of the Africa Cup of Nations is, once again, a talking point - which is unfair to the tournament itself as it becomes squeezed by club football’s endless expansion.
Why is the Africa Cup of Nations taking place over Christmas?
The expansion of the Club World Cup and Champions League means Afcon will be played over Christmas and the New Year period for the first time. Flo Clifford22 December 2025 22:50Africa Cup of Nations moved to every four years
The Africa Cup of Nations will be held every four years instead of two from 2028, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced.
The tournament has traditionally been held biennially since its inception in 1957. The surprise announcement was made on the eve of the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off in Morocco on Sunday.
It follows a meeting of the CAF executive committee in Rabat, with president Patrice Motsepe announcing the major change in a press conference in Rabat.
Flo Clifford22 December 2025 22:40Africa Cup of Nations 2025: Everything you need to know, from the team in crisis to the best games to watch
That’s it for tonight’s action, but you can get an extra Afcon fix through Jamie Braidwood’s preview here.
The six must-watch games at AFCON 2025 - and the one team in crisis
Will Mohamed Salah lift his first Africa Cup of Nations title with Egypt? Or can Nigeria bounce back from their World Cup disappointment? Flo Clifford22 December 2025 22:30Tale of the tape
Egypt had 77 per cent possession and 35 shots - 11 on target - compared to just eight shots by Zimbabwe, three of which on target.
The Pharaohs had 49 (!!) touches in the opposition box compared to just 13 for the Warriors.
Egypt certainly made a meal of that one.
Flo Clifford22 December 2025 22:20Group B standings
After the first two matches of Group B Egypt top the standings, level on three points with South Africa after both sides won their games 2-1.
Angola and Zimbabwe bring up the rear on nul points.
(AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)Flo Clifford22 December 2025 22:13Egypt beat Zimbabwe 2-1
Contrasting emotions here in Agadir.
(AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)Flo Clifford22 December 2025 22:07FULL-TIME: Egypt 2-1 Zimbabwe
Heartbreak for Zimbabwe, but Group B’s disruptors certainly acquitted themselves well after a nervy first ten minutes.
Prince Dube’s early goal gave them confidence in spades and they continued to threaten, but came undone thanks to a moment of brilliance from Omar Marmoush and a fine late strike from Mohamed Salah.
Flo Clifford22 December 2025 22:02Egypt 2-1 Zimbabwe
‘90+5: That’s it!
Egypt come from behind and the seven-time champions have their blushes spared thanks to Omar Marmoush and Mohamed Salah.
Zimbabwe lived up to their name as the Warriors with a battling performance. Keeper Washington Arubi lies on the turf in disappointment.
Flo Clifford22 December 2025 21:57Newer1 / 7OlderMore about
Egypt FootballAfrica Cup Of NationsMohamed SalahJoin our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments