Mohamed Salah scored the winning goal for Egypt against Zimbabwe
Mohamed Salah scored a dramatic injury-time winner for Egypt in the team's opening game of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) against Zimbabwe.
The Liverpool winger endured an underwhelming display for long periods of Monday's encounter, but popped up with what proved to be the crucial goal in the 91st minute.
Having chased the game for almost its entirety, Egypt looked set to begin the competition in Morocco with a disappointing draw. Prince Dube netted for Zimbabwe in the 20th minute, and it took until beyond the hour mark for Egypt to get back on level terms, with Manchester City's Omar Marmoush squeezing in his effort from a narrow angle.
That was one of 32 produced by the Pharaohs - along with 11 on target - on what looked to be a frustrating night in Agadir.
Then Salah did what he does best. The 33-year-old controled a lofted ball into the box with his hip, held off defender Teenage Hadebe, and produced a clinical finish into the back of the net.
That sparked delirious scenes in the crowd, many of whom could not have a wished for a better ending.
Salah had started the game brightly and nearly provided the opening goal in the early stages when his cross to the back post picked out former Aston Villa winger Trezeguet. His header was kept out by a combination of post and goalkeeper Washington Arubi.
But his influence waned as the game continued, and Egypt introduced more and more offensive players. Salah did manage four shots and ended the game playing in a more central position.
The win comes after South Africa also began Group B with a 2-1 win over Angola. The victorious sides meet on Friday in the second match of the group.
For Salah, the 2025 tournament could represent his final chance to achieve AFCON glory. The Liverpool star is yet to lift silverware with his country, despite Egypt winning the competition more than any other nation.
The last of Egypt's seven wins came in 2010, and Salah was a beaten finalist in 2017 and 2021.
Liverpool's no.11 departed for AFCON under a slight cloud in the aftermath of that bombshell interview at Leeds, but has started his personal campaign in the best possible circumstances.
"Salah’s morale in training is very high, as if he were just starting out with the national team," said Egypt coach Hossam Hassan ahead of the Zimbabwe game.
"I believe he will have a great tournament with his country. Salah will be among the best players at the tournament, and he will remain an icon and one of the best players in the world."