Egypt's forward #10 Mohamed Salah scores the team's second goal during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) group B football match between Egypt and Zimbabwe at Adrar Stadium in Agadir. AFP
Mohamed Salah struck deep into stoppage time as Egypt opened their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a narrow 2-1 victory over Zimbabwe in their Group match on Monday.
The Liverpool forward had little influence for much of the contest but proved decisive at the death, converting from close range to earn the Pharaohs a hard-fought three points.
Egypt dominated early possession and squandered several clear chances through Mahmoud ‘Trezeguet’ Hassan, Salah and Emam Ashour, failing to capitalise on their strong start.
Zimbabwe grew into the game and punished Egypt’s wastefulness by taking the lead in the 20th minute when Young Africans striker Prince Dube met Emmanuel Jalai’s cross unmarked inside the area and steered a simple finish into the net.
The Warriors nearly doubled their advantage five minutes later, but goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shennawy and defender Yasser Ibrahim combined to clear the danger.
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan responded in the 33rd minute, introducing Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed for Ashour and pushing Omar Marmoush into a more advanced midfield role. Marmoush went close twice before the break, missing the target with one effort and seeing another saved by the Zimbabwe goalkeeper.
Egypt increased the pressure after halftime and Marmoush was denied again by a fine save, while Mostafa Mohamed failed to control a promising cross shortly after the restart.
The Manchester City forward finally drew Egypt level in the 64th minute, racing down the left flank to latch onto Mohamed Hamdi’s long pass before firing a tight-angle shot into the roof of the net.
Hassan made further attacking changes moments later, bringing on Ibrahim Adel and Ahmed ‘Zizo’ Sayed, with Adel adding pace and urgency to Egypt’s forward play.
As the match appeared to be heading for a draw, Salah struck in stoppage time, reacting quickest to a rebound from Mostafa Mohamed’s effort to slot past the goalkeeper and secure victory.
The win lifted Egypt to the top of the group on three points, level with South Africa, who beat Angola earlier. Egypt face South Africa on Friday, while Zimbabwe will take on Angola.
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