Egypt 2-1 Zimbabwe: Record champions see off stubborn Warriors

Seven-time record winners Egypt secured a 2-1 comeback victory over Zimbabwe in their Africa Cup of Nations opener thanks to Mohamed Salah’s late goal on Monday night.

Salah created the game’s first chance in the fifth minute of the game after he sent an inswinger cross to the back post, picking out Mahmoud Trezeguet, but the winger’s effort was parried away by Washington Arubi.

Moments later, Emam Ashour had his sights on goal, but the Al Ahly man couldn’t find the target from eight yards out.

In the 20th minute, the Pharaohs were made to pay for their missed chances as Prince Dube met Emmanuel Jalai’s low cross and picked out the bottom corner.

The Warriors almost doubled their advantage five minutes later, after goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy’s error, but Washington Navaya couldn’t find the target.

Omar Marmosh could have drawn the Pharaohs level just before the break, but the Manchester City man blasted his effort over the bar.

Egypt continued looking for an equalizer, and minutes after the restart, they were almost rewarded when Trezeguet sent in a cross, but Mostafa Mohamed failed to find the target.

Moments later, Marmoush forced Arubi to make a decent stop, preserving Zimbabwe’s lead.

However, Arubi couldn’t keep the city man out for long, as he restored parity for Egypt in the 63rd minute after he was found by Mohamed Hamdi, then smashing the ball into the roof of the net.

Salah and Nantes were the next to test Arubi in goal, but they couldn’t find the back of the net.

Minutes later, Zizo squandered a glorious chance to complete the comeback, but he headed over from four yards.

Salah completed the turnaround in the 91st minute as he cut in to his favorite foot and released a left-foot shot into the net, winning the game at the death for Egypt.