**_AGADIR_**: Mohamed Salah struck deep in stoppage time to secure a dramatic 2-1 victory for Egypt over Zimbabwe in their opening Africa Cup of Nations Group B encounter at the Adrar Stadium.
The result gives the seven-time champions a morale-boosting start to their continental campaign and underlines the enduring influence of their talismanic captain.
Egypt dominated possession for large spells but were unable to convert their superiority into goals in the first half. Zimbabwe, defying expectations, took the lead in the 20th minute when forward Prince Dube pounced on a defensive lapse to slot past the Egyptian goalkeeper. The early setback stunned the Pharaohs and forced coach Hossam Hassan into tactical adjustments.
It took until the 64th minute for Egypt to get back on level terms. Omar Marmoush was the architect, producing a composed finish after sustained pressure to bring the holders level and ignite the home support in Agadir. From that point on, Egypt pressed for a winner, only for Zimbabwe’s resilient defence and alert goalkeeper to repel wave after wave of attacks.
Just when it looked as though both teams would share the points, Salah delivered. The Liverpool forward, hunting his first AFCON title, rose to meet a late cross and delivered a composed finish in the 91st minute, sending the Egyptian fans into raptures and sealing all three points for his side.
Post-match reactions centred on Salah’s persistent importance to Egypt’s fortunes. Despite recent challenges at club level, the 33-year-old’s influence on the international stage remains undiminished. Zimbabwe coach and players were gracious in defeat, praising their own defensive resilience and expressing belief they can still make an impact in the group.
**_Mali 1–1 Zambia — Casablanca_**
Earlier in the afternoon, Group A action saw Mali and Zambia play out a pulsating 1-1 draw at the Stade Mohammed V. Mali looked to have secured the points when Lassine Sinayoko gave them the lead, only for Zambia’s substitute Patson Daka to snatch a dramatic equaliser with a diving header deep into stoppage time. The late leveller ensured both sides opened their campaigns with a point each in a match that showcased end-to‐end drama.
**_South Africa 2–1 Angola — Marrakech_**
In Group B’s other fixture, South Africa edged past Angola 2-1 in Marrakech. Lyle Foster produced the decisive moment with a stunning 79th-minute strike, curling the ball into the top corner after Angola had responded to an early South African lead. Oswin Appollis’ opener set the tone for a keenly contested encounter, but Angola’s equaliser shortly before halftime kept the pressure on.
South Africa’s resilience and tactical discipline under coach Hugo Broos ultimately delivered the win, giving the Bafana Bafana momentum alongside Egypt in the tightly contested Group B.
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Group Tables and Early Impressions
After the day’s action, South Africa and Egypt sit atop Group B with three points — the latter benefiting from a dramatic late goal that could prove decisive in the race for knockout qualification. Angola and Zimbabwe, despite spirited performances, must now regroup quickly ahead of their next fixtures. In Group A, Mali and Zambia both sit on one point, with host favourites Morocco ahead courtesy of their opening victory over Comoros on Sunday.
The Standard
The tournament’s opening week has already delivered plenty of intrigue and drama, with several heavyweights yet to make their mark. Defending champions Ivory Coast, favourites Morocco, and other traditional powers like Senegal and Algeria still lie in wait as the group stage progresses.
The Independent
Looking Ahead
Egypt’s next test comes against South Africa on Boxing Day, where a win could effectively decide the group’s frontrunner. Angola and Zimbabwe will face off in the same round, each seeking their first points. Across other groups, a full slate of matches on Tuesday — including Nigeria vs Tanzania and Senegal vs Botswana — promises to keep the tournament action flowing.
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