Salah Strikes Late as Egypt Begin AFCON 2025 Campaign with Dramatic Comeback Win

Mohamed Salah once again demonstrated why he remains the beating heart of Egyptian football, delivering a decisive stoppage-time winner as Egypt overturned a first-half deficit to defeat Zimbabwe 2–1 in their opening Group B fixture at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The tournament began in uneasy fashion for the seven-time African champions. Despite dominating possession and territory in Agadir, Egypt found themselves trailing against the run of play when Prince Dube struck in the 20th minute, punishing defensive hesitation with a composed finish inside the box. It was a moment that threatened to derail Egypt’s campaign before it had truly begun.

For long stretches, Egypt laid siege to Zimbabwe’s goal, only to be denied repeatedly by veteran goalkeeper Washington Arubi. At 40 years old, Arubi delivered a remarkable performance, frustrating Salah, Trezeguet and Emam Ashour, while keeping Zimbabwe within touching distance of a memorable upset.

The breakthrough finally arrived just after the hour mark. Omar Marmoush, one of Africa’s most in-form forwards in Europe this season, drove in from the left and unleashed an unstoppable strike into the roof of the net to restore parity and inject belief back into the Egyptian ranks.

As the match drifted toward a draw, Egypt continued to press, but clear chances went begging. Then, in the first minute of stoppage time, the moment arrived that defined the contest. Salah reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the area, shielding his marker before calmly guiding the ball beyond Arubi to seal all three points.

Now 33 and having suffered heartbreak in two AFCON finals, Salah remains in pursuit of the one major honour missing from his international résumé. Playing on North African soil may yet prove symbolic, as Egypt set their sights on another deep tournament run.

Egypt will look to sharpen their finishing when they face South Africa next in Agadir, while Zimbabwe, despite defeat, take encouragement from a disciplined and courageous display ahead of their clash with Angola.

Follow every AFCON 2025 moment with expert analysis and exclusive updates on Betway Arabia Sports News.