Mohamed Salah
AFCONContinental Tournaments

Match Preview: Egypt vs Zimbabwe

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Egypt begin their pursuit of a record-extending eighth Africa Cup of Nations title when they face Zimbabwe in Group B’s opening fixture at Adrar Stadium on Monday.

Hossam Hassan’s side arrive as one of the pre-tournament favourites, while Zimbabwe head into the competition under new leadership following the appointment of Mario Marinica.

Since lifting their seventh AFCON trophy in Luanda in 2010, Egypt have repeatedly come close to adding to their unparalleled haul but have fallen short at the final hurdle.

The Pharaohs were beaten finalists in both 2017 and 2021, losing to Cameroon and Senegal respectively, despite taking the lead in the former and surviving an early scare from the penalty spot in the latter.

Now under the guidance of three-time AFCON winner Hassan, Egypt once again shoulder the expectations that come with being the continent’s most successful nation, particularly with the tournament taking place in North Africa.

Much of the spotlight will fall on Mohamed Salah, who is contesting his fifth AFCON and third as captain, aware that this edition could represent his final opportunity to claim continental glory with his country.

The Liverpool forward was part of the squads that reached the finals in 2017 and 2021 and will be eager to finally get his hands on the trophy and cement his legacy in African football.

However, Egypt must guard against complacency against a Zimbabwe side undergoing change following Marinica’s recent arrival.

The Warriors’ managerial switch could inject fresh ideas, but it could also expose inexperience at tournament level, with this being just their sixth AFCON appearance.

Egypt v Zimbabwe team news

Trezeguet outscored Salah during qualifying, netting four times, and the winger is expected to play a prominent role in the final third.

Hassan must decide between Omar Marmoush and Mostafa Mohamed to lead the line, with the latter having an impressive AFCON pedigree after scoring four goals at the previous tournament.

Veteran goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy is set to feature, with the 37-year-old potentially contesting his final Africa Cup of Nations after a career that has included multiple continental titles at club level with Al Ahly.


Zimbabwe are without Walter Musona, who scored twice in qualifying, but captain Knowledge Musona is included and is expected to feature prominently.

The experienced forward, who has 26 international goals, should start alongside Marvelous Nakamba in midfield, with Prince Dube and Tawanda Chirewa offering attacking support.

Egypt v Zimbabwe predicted lineups

Egypt starting XI: El Shenawy; Hany, Rabia, Ibrahim, Hamdi; Fathy, Ateya, Zizo; Salah, Mohamed, Trezeguet

Zimbabwe starting XI: Chipezeze; Murwira, Garananga, Hadebe, Lunga; Nakamba, Fabisch, Musona; Chirewa, Dube, Maswanhise

Key Historical Highlights

  • Egypt have reached two AFCON finals since 2017
  • Mohamed Salah is appearing at his fifth AFCON tournament
  • Zimbabwe have won three matches across all AFCON appearances
  • Two of Zimbabwe’s six qualifying goals came from penalties
  • Zimbabwe have kept three clean sheets in AFCON 2025 qualifying


Match Prediction
Egypt 2 – 0 Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe may prove stubborn early on under their new manager, but Egypt possess a clear edge in quality and tournament experience.

With multiple attacking options and a strong defensive base, the Pharaohs should have enough to secure a comfortable opening victory in Group B.

Okinyo Mark

Okinyo Mark

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