Salah Silences the Noise as Egypt Survive AFCON Scare
Late Drama Saves Egypt from Embarrassment
Mohamed Salah had no need to apologise to his teammates as Egypt escaped with a dramatic late victory over Zimbabwe, surviving an uncomfortable opening to their Africa Cup of Nations campaign. After squandering early dominance, the seven-time champions relied on a moment of brilliance from Omar Marmoush and a stoppage-time winner from their captain to avoid a damaging result against the Warriors, a side with no history of progressing beyond the group stage.
The setting at the Grand Stade d’Agadir was subdued early on, but Egypt’s nerves were settled late as quality eventually told.
Bright Start, Familiar Frustrations
Salah began the match in sparkling fashion, roaming freely across the front line and dictating Egypt’s early tempo. Operating mostly from the right but drifting centrally, he came close to opening the scoring within the first ten minutes, first creating a headed chance for Trézéguet before seeing a shot blocked from the edge of the area.
Egypt dominated possession and territory but failed to convert control into goals, a recurring theme that would haunt them as the half wore on. Salah’s influence faded as the pace of the game slowed, with his lack of recent club minutes becoming apparent.
Zimbabwe Shock the Favourites
Against the run of play, Zimbabwe stunned Egypt midway through the first half. A swift counterattack saw Emmanuel Jalai deliver from the right, allowing Prince Dube to turn sharply on the edge of the box and finish with composure.
The goal exposed Egypt’s vulnerability and shifted the pressure firmly onto the favourites, who suddenly looked short of ideas despite their territorial dominance.
Marmoush Restores Hope
Egypt continued to push after the break, and it was Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush who dragged them back into the contest. Collecting the ball on the left flank, he burst past his marker and finished powerfully from a tight angle to level the match just after the hour mark.
The equaliser lifted Egypt, but clear chances continued to go begging as Ahmed “Zizo” Sayed twice failed to convert from promising positions.
Salah Has the Final Word
As the clock ticked into stoppage time, it was inevitable that Salah would reappear. The Liverpool forward swivelled inside the penalty area and struck a scuffed left-footed half-volley that found the net, sparing Egypt a humiliating start and underlining his enduring importance.
For all the questions surrounding his form and future, Salah once again delivered when Egypt needed him most
