AGADIR: Mohamed Salah struck in added time to rescue Egypt from an early scare as the seven-time champions edged Zimbabwe 2-1 in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group B opener on Monday.
Salah, who arrived in Morocco after a run of five consecutive non-starts for Liverpool, proved decisive when he pounced on a loose ball inside the box and calmly guided a low finish beyond 40-year-old goalkeeper Washington Arubi.
What appeared a routine opening fixture turned tense when Zimbabwe stunned the largely pro-Egypt crowd by taking a 20th-minute lead through Prince Dube. Emmanuel Jalai’s cross found Dube, who turned smartly before firing past Mohamed El Shenawy to give the Warriors a shock advantage.
Egypt dominated possession at the 40,000-capacity stadium but struggled to break down a disciplined Zimbabwe defence. Salah was heavily involved, delivering dangerous crosses and seeing efforts blocked, while Omar Marmoush tested Arubi with a powerful long-range strike that drew a fine fingertip save.
Coach Hossam Hassan cut a frustrated figure on the touchline as Egypt went into the break trailing, despite sustained pressure and near misses.
The Pharaohs finally found a breakthrough in the 63rd minute when Marmoush slipped behind the defence, surged forward and drove a tight-angle shot into the net to restore parity.
Egypt continued to press, with Salah missing a clear chance late on before making amends in stoppage time with the winner, sparking celebrations among the Egyptian faithful.
The victory lifts Egypt level on three points with South Africa, who defeated Angola earlier, after the first round of Group B matches.
Hassan later praised Salah’s mentality amid speculation over his Liverpool future, describing the forward as “an icon” and one of the world’s best players. Salah, still chasing his first AFCON title, is bidding to lead Egypt to a record-extending eighth continental crown. – AFP
