Mahmoud ‘Hassan’ Trezeguet scored a wonder goal as hosts Egypt got their Afcon 2019 campaign to a flying start with a 1-0 victory over Zimbabwe at the Cairo International Stadium.

Zimbabwe keeper Edmore Sibanda was the busier of the two goalkeepers in the early exchanges as he made a couple of saves to keep the score at nil all. Egyptian Forward Mohamed Salah at the center of the Pharaohs attack.

Khama Billiat came so close to opening the scores after he slipped behind the Egyptian defense after a quick freekick but El Shannawy reacted well to deflect the strikers shot over the bar.

Trezeguet broke the dreadlock on 36. The forward dispossessed Knowledge Musona and played a lovely one two with Ashraf before cutting on his right foot to curl his effort past Sibanda.

Javier Aguirre happy to take a 1-0 lead into the break.

Egypt continued to pile the pressure on the Zimbabwe goal. Marwan Mohsen then collided with keeper Sibanda in the 57th minute after being played through.

Zimbabwe Captain Knowledge Musona tried to stamp his authority on the game, he twisted and turned but his threaded a pass was too strong for Karuru to latch onto.

Sibanda couldn’t contain the pain and was eventually forced to retire due to injury in the 78th minute and on came Elvis Chipezeze.

Substitute Evans Rusike who had come on for Mushekwi almost made an immediate impact but he headed over the bar from Talent Chawapiwa’s cross.

Zimbabwe couldn’t find the equalising goal and Egypt held on for a vital three points to momentarily top Group A.

Kelvin Trudeau Musako

Football Journalist | TotalEnergies AFCON 2021 Photographer | Media Officer - Kabwe Warriors FC | Graphic Designer | Videographer