AFCON 2025
Mohammed Salah rose to the occasion in difficult moments once again for the umpteenth time in his illustrious career as he powered Egpt3ro victory in their opening match against Zimbabwe the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Liverpool talisman had a quite challenging evening against a resolute Zimbabwe side who stunned viewers by taking the lead in the 20th minute.
Prince Dube controlled a fine cross into the box with his right leg and finished off with his left to give Zimbabwe a surprise lead.
The Warriors defended wholeheartedly blocking shots, intercepting attacks and denying the seven-time champions space to operate.
Omar Marmoush came close to restoring parity woth3a long range attempt but Washington Arubi pulled off a fine save to put the away for a corner.
However, Mormoush’s individual effort came in handy 19 minutes into the second half. The Manchester City forward received a fine looping ball from Mohammed Hamdy, raced into the box beating his marker for pace down the left channel, before placing the ball into the roof of the net to restore parity.
Al Ahly winger, Zizo had two glaring chances to put Egypt ahead but his attempts went off target as the Pharaohs continued to pile pressure on Zimbabwe.
With five minutes of added time announced, Mostafa Mohammed found Mohammed Salah in space inside the box with header, the Liverpool striker shielded the defender, controlled the ball, turned and fired a left-footed low drive to seal the winner in the 91st minute.
The Zimbabwean players buried their faces in the lush green grass of the Adrar Stadium as the ball landed inside the net.
Egypt are joint-top with South Africa in Group C after with three and the same goal difference.
Meanwhile, South Africa finally put an end to their opening game misfortunes at the Africa Cup of Nations after 21 years.
The Bafana Bafana put out a brilliant second half performance to secure the historic win in their AFCON opener against rivals Angola.
It a keenly contested affair – a game of.teo halves as the teo South African nations showed forth exquisite attacking football.
South Africa started the game controlling possession while Angola did the chasing but threatened to score via set pieces.
Orlando Pirates forward, Oswin Appollis put South Africa ahead in the 21st minute as he fired a low drive into the bottom corner after a simple touch from Lyle Foster.
Hugo Broos’ men took the lead against the run of play after a period of pressure from the Angolans on South Africa.
Ronwen Williams, the reigning CAF Goalkeeper of the Year, had quite a busy first half as he kept South Africa in the game with a couple of saves.
Angola kept on piling pressure on South Africa’s defense and the breakthrough came in the 35th minute via a set-piece.
Captain of the Palancas Negras, Fredy crossed the ball towards the near post and Show’s sleek flick on the ball landed inside the net.
The first half ended a goal apiece after a good display from the Angolans.
However, Angola were a shadow of themselves in the second half as they struggked to contain South Africa.
The introduction of Tshepang Moremi with lightning pace, changed the game for Bafana against the leggy Angolans.
Moremi made an instant impact putting Bafana Bafana ahead with a left-footed strike but his joy was short-lived as the video assistant referee overruled the goal as he came from an offside position before receiving the pass.
South Africa’s high press paid off eventually, Teboho Mokeona won the ball in the final third, placed a pass to Moremi, the forward quicky released a simple pass to Lyle Foster and the Burnley striker found the top corner with a beautiful curler from the edge of the box in the 79th minute.
South Africa held on to the lead and and secured the win ending their six-match winless streak against Angola and most importantly, winning an AFCON opening match for the first time since 2004.
