Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah netted a last-minute goal, securing a 2-1 victory for Egypt against Zimbabwe as they kicked off their campaign at the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday.
Zimbabwe unexpectedly took the lead early in the match, but Manchester City‘s Omar Marmoush equalized in the second half before Salah’s decisive goal secured the win for the seven-time champions.
With a potential eighth title for Egypt, the victory would further cement their record and mark Mohamed Salah’s first title in this prestigious tournament, as the 33-year-old Liverpool star has yet to win Africa’s top competition.
“We missed several opportunities and it wasn’t our day with luck,” said Egypt’s coach Hossam Hassan. “We played better throughout the match, but opening games are always a challenge.”
Salah, who was captaining the side, made his first start since November 26, following Liverpool’s loss to PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.
Contentious conversations between Salah and Liverpool manager Arne Slot occurred in the lead-up to AFCON, which resulted in Salah being omitted from the squad for a match against Inter Milan in the Champions League, after suggesting the club was at fault for its early-season performance.
In the 20th minute, Prince Dube surprised Egypt by scoring with a clever flick off a cross from Emmanuel Jalai, leaving goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy with no chance.
Despite Salah’s motivational efforts, Egypt faced another setback with Emam Ashour departing injured, with his emotional reaction hinting that his tournament might be over before it had begun.
Marmoush’s powerful shot was tipped over by goalkeeper Arubi, and Trézéguet received a yellow card for a dive. Salah, Marmoush, and Mohamed’s attempts to score were all thwarted before half-time.
Play resumed similarly until Marmoush finally broke through and scored from a challenging angle in the 64th minute.
Salah’s late goal handed Egypt three crucial points in Group B.
Earlier on Monday, Lyle Foster led South Africa to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Angola as they started their tournament on a positive note.
The Bafana Bafana snapped a six-match winless streak against Angola, who had previously won three and drawn three of their encounters since a World Cup qualifier in November 2015.
South Africa’s Oswin Appollis opened the scoring in Marrakech with a low shot hitting the left post in the 21st minute, but Show equalized shortly after with a deflection off a free kick taken by Fredy.
Tempers flared following a foul committed by South Africa’s Aubrey Modiba before half-time.
Tshepang Moremi appeared to score a brilliant goal but it was ruled offside following a VAR check. Additionally, Mbekezeli Mbokazi hit the crossbar with a powerful shot as South Africa continued to press.
Angola’s coach Patrice Beaumelle made changes in the attacking lineup by introducing Mabululu and Milson during the 76th minute, but it was Foster who made the impact, curling a shot past Hugo Marques to score in the 79th minute.
Mali fought back to earn a 1-1 draw against Patson Daka‘s Zambia, with the 2012 champions salvaging a point.
Mali dominated play and missed a penalty just before half-time, as Willard Mwanza saved El Bilal Toure‘s penalty, marking the second saved penalty in the tournament.
Lassine Sinayoko finally broke the stalemate around the 60th minute, but Daka equalized with a header in stoppage time, earning Zambia a point in Group A.
Host nation Morocco tops the group with three points after winning 2-0 against Comoros on Sunday.
This report includes information from The Associated Press.