Mohamed Salah became the centre of attention once again after scoring a stoppage-time winner to rescue Egypt in a tense 2–1 victory over Zimbabwe at the Africa Cup of Nations. The dramatic goal sealed a comeback win for the seven-time champions, but it also fueled debate about Egypt’s performance after they struggled for long periods against lower-ranked opposition. Salah’s 91st-minute strike masked what many viewed as an unconvincing display in the tournament opener.
Despite dominating possession from the outset, Egypt were left exposed when Zimbabwe struck first. Prince Dube’s goal in the 20th minute stunned the favourites and highlighted defensive lapses that allowed the underdogs to grow in confidence. Egypt’s early pressure counted for little, as missed chances and a lack of cutting edge kept Zimbabwe in the game and raised questions about Egypt’s attacking efficiency.
The pressure intensified as the second half unfolded, with Egypt relying heavily on their overseas-based players to turn the match around. Omar Marmoush eventually equalised in the 64th minute, easing the tension but doing little to quiet criticism. Salah, who arrived at the tournament under scrutiny following recent club-level frustrations, struggled to influence the game until the final moments, prompting debate over whether Egypt are too dependent on their captain to deliver in decisive situations.
Salah’s late goal ultimately pushed Egypt level on points with South Africa at the top of Group B, but it did not completely shift the narrative. While the finish showcased his composure and leadership, it also underlined how close Egypt came to dropping points in a match they were widely expected to control. The victory ended a long run of draws in recent AFCON tournaments, yet concerns over consistency remain.
Elsewhere in the competition, late drama also defined other group matches. South Africa edged Angola 2–1 after Lyle Foster’s stunning long-range strike, while Zambia salvaged a 1–1 draw against Mali thanks to Patson Daka’s stoppage-time header. These results, coupled with Egypt’s narrow escape, have already set the tone for a tournament where favourites are under pressure and reputations are being tested from the very start.
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