CAIRO, Egypt — Mohamed Salah scored a dramatic late goal to secure a 1-0 victory for Egypt against Zimbabwe in the opening match of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, held at Cairo International Stadium on Saturday. The match marked the beginning of the tournament, which features 24 teams competing for the prestigious continental title.
Salah, who plays for Liverpool in the English Premier League, had recently been at the center of controversy regarding his club’s decision to release him for the tournament. Liverpool’s management had expressed concerns about player fatigue and injury risk, given Salah’s heavy workload during the club season. However, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) insisted on Salah’s participation, emphasizing his importance to the national team.
The match began with both teams displaying cautious strategies, as they sought to establish control in the midfield. Egypt, ranked 34th in the FIFA World Rankings, was favored to win against Zimbabwe, which is currently ranked 111th. The Pharaohs, led by coach Rui Vitória, aimed to capitalize on their home advantage and the support of a passionate crowd.
Throughout the first half, Egypt dominated possession but struggled to convert opportunities into goals. Zimbabwe’s defense, marshaled by captain Knowledge Musona, held firm against the Egyptian attacks. The first half ended without any goals, with both teams heading into the locker room at 0-0.
The second half saw Egypt increase its attacking intensity, with Salah frequently involved in build-up play. The Liverpool forward’s pace and dribbling skills posed a constant threat to Zimbabwe’s backline. However, the Zimbabwean goalkeeper, Elvis Chipezeze, made several crucial saves to keep the scoreline level.
As the match approached its conclusion, the tension in the stadium heightened. With just five minutes remaining, Salah received the ball on the edge of the penalty area. Displaying his trademark skill, he maneuvered past two defenders before unleashing a powerful shot that found the back of the net. The goal sent the Egyptian fans into a frenzy, as Salah celebrated with his teammates.
This victory is significant for Egypt as they aim to reclaim the AFCON title, which they last won in 2010. The Pharaohs have a storied history in the tournament, having lifted the trophy seven times, making them the most successful team in AFCON history. The tournament is particularly important for Egypt, as it serves as a platform for showcasing local talent and fostering national pride.
The implications of this victory extend beyond just the three points earned. It sets a positive tone for Egypt’s campaign in the tournament, providing momentum as they prepare for their next matches. The Pharaohs are placed in Group A, alongside Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and Guinea-Bissau. The top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, will advance to the knockout stage.
For Zimbabwe, the loss is a setback as they seek to improve their standing in African football. The Warriors have qualified for AFCON on several occasions but have yet to progress beyond the group stage. The team, coached by Zdravko Logarusic, will need to regroup quickly as they face Nigeria in their next match, a challenging encounter that could determine their chances of advancing in the tournament.
The AFCON 2025 tournament is being held in Egypt from January 13 to February 11, 2025. This edition of the tournament is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first time that the competition is being held in January, a departure from the traditional summer scheduling. The change was made to accommodate the European club calendar and to enhance player participation.
As the tournament progresses, the focus will remain on Salah and the Egyptian national team, as they aim to build on this opening victory. The performance of Salah, who is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world, will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike. His ability to perform on the international stage is crucial for Egypt’s aspirations in the tournament.
In conclusion, Egypt’s victory over Zimbabwe in the AFCON 2025 opener not only highlights the importance of Salah to the national team but also sets the stage for a competitive tournament. With the eyes of the continent on them, Egypt will look to capitalize on this momentum as they pursue their eighth AFCON title.
