Egypt came from behind to beat Zimbabwe in the first match of their Africa Cup of Nations campaign this evening, with captain Mohamed Salah breaking the Warriors’ hearts with a stoppage-time winner.
The Liverpool talisman is bidding to win the continental title for the first time, with the Pharaohs the most successful side in Afcon history, having won a record seven titles.
But their campaign got off to an unexpected start as Zimbabwe - who have only qualified six times and have never made it out of the group stage - took an early lead through a Prince Dube counter-attack 20 minutes in.
Egypt peppered Washington Arubi’s goal but it took until the 64th minute before they could drag themselves level, with Omar Marmoush scoring a brilliant equaliser, before Salah’s injury-time winner sealed all three points.
Follow all the latest updates from the Adrar Stadium below:
Egypt vs Zimbabwe live
- Egypt face Zimbabwe in the Africa Cup of Nations, with kick-off at 8pm GMT | Live on 4Seven
- '90+1 GOAL! Mohamed Salah breaks Zimbabwean hearts with late winner [EGY 2-1 ZWE]
- '64 GOAL! Marmoush scores superb equaliser [EGY 1-1 ZWE]
- '38 SAVE! Omar Marmoush forces fingertip save from Washington Arubi [EGY 0-1 ZWE]
- '20 GOAL! Prince Dube scores opener against run of play [EGY 0-1 ZWE]
Afcon key dates
Monday 22 December 2025 23:10 , Flo CliffordThe group stages run from Sunday 21 December to Wednesday 31 December. The knockout stages begin on Saturday 3 January. The final will be played on Sunday 18 January at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Afcon fixtures
Monday 22 December 2025 23:00 , Flo CliffordTuesday, December 23, 2025
Congo DR v Benin | 12:30 PM | Stade El Barid, Rabat, Morocco
Senegal v Botswana | 3:00 PM | Stade Ibn-Batouta, Tanger, Morocco
Nigeria v Tanzania | 5:30 PM | Complexe Sportif de Fès, Fès, Morocco
Tunisia v Uganda | 8:00 PM | Stade Olympique de Rabat, Rabat, Morocco
Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Burkina Faso v Equatorial Guinea | 12:30 PM | Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca, Morocco
Algeria v Sudan | 3:00 PM | Stade Prince Moulay Al Hassan, Rabat, Morocco
Ivory Coast v Mozambique | 5:30 PM | Stade de Marrakech, Marrakech, Morocco
Cameroon v Gabon | 8:00 PM | Le Grand Stade Agadir, Agadir, Morocco
Why is the Africa Cup of Nations taking place over Christmas?
Monday 22 December 2025 22:50 , Flo CliffordThe Africa Cup of Nations kicked off in Morocco on Sunday 21 December, with the final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat to be played on Sunday 18 January - far earlier than when held at this time of the calendar than in previous years.
The 35th edition of the biennial tournament was initially set to be played in July and August 2025, in order to reduce disruption with the European football season.
But the timing of the Africa Cup of Nations is, once again, a talking point - which is unfair to the tournament itself as it becomes squeezed by club football’s endless expansion.
Why is the Africa Cup of Nations taking place over Christmas?
Africa Cup of Nations moved to every four years
Monday 22 December 2025 22:40 , Flo CliffordThe Africa Cup of Nations will be held every four years instead of two from 2028, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced.
The tournament has traditionally been held biennially since its inception in 1957. The surprise announcement was made on the eve of the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off in Morocco on Sunday.
It follows a meeting of the CAF executive committee in Rabat, with president Patrice Motsepe announcing the major change in a press conference in Rabat.
Africa Cup of Nations 2025: Everything you need to know, from the team in crisis to the best games to watch
Monday 22 December 2025 22:30 , Flo CliffordThat’s it for tonight’s action, but you can get an extra Afcon fix through Jamie Braidwood’s preview here.
The six must-watch games at AFCON 2025 - and the one team in crisis
Tale of the tape
Monday 22 December 2025 22:20 , Flo CliffordEgypt had 77 per cent possession and 35 shots - 11 on target - compared to just eight shots by Zimbabwe, three of which on target.
The Pharaohs had 49 (!!) touches in the opposition box compared to just 13 for the Warriors.
Egypt certainly made a meal of that one.
Group B standings
Monday 22 December 2025 22:13 , Flo CliffordAfter the first two matches of Group B Egypt top the standings, level on three points with South Africa after both sides won their games 2-1.
Angola and Zimbabwe bring up the rear on nul points.
Egypt beat Zimbabwe 2-1
Monday 22 December 2025 22:07 , Flo CliffordContrasting emotions here in Agadir.
FULL-TIME: Egypt 2-1 Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 22:02 , Flo CliffordHeartbreak for Zimbabwe, but Group B’s disruptors certainly acquitted themselves well after a nervy first ten minutes.
Prince Dube’s early goal gave them confidence in spades and they continued to threaten, but came undone thanks to a moment of brilliance from Omar Marmoush and a fine late strike from Mohamed Salah.
Egypt 2-1 Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 21:57 , Flo Clifford‘90+5: That’s it!
Egypt come from behind and the seven-time champions have their blushes spared thanks to Omar Marmoush and Mohamed Salah.
Zimbabwe lived up to their name as the Warriors with a battling performance. Keeper Washington Arubi lies on the turf in disappointment.
Egypt 2-1 Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 21:53 , Flo Clifford‘90+4: Heartbreak for Zimbabwe, who have fought brilliantly, and counter again now - but Adel gets his foot in to block.
GOAL! Egypt 2-1 Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 21:51 , Flo Clifford‘90+1: Mohamed Salah finally gets his goal!
He latches onto Adel’s header as Egypt get numbers forward, takes a touch, then hammers it past Hadebe, desperately trying to block the shot, and the diving Arubi.
Egypt 1-1 Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 21:50 , Flo Clifford‘90: Five minutes added on.
Egypt 1-1 Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 21:49 , Flo Clifford‘89: Salah releases Zizo but the latter wastes another opportunity, his dipping shot soaring over the bar.
Egypt 1-1 Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 21:49 , Flo Clifford‘89: Salah releases Zizo but the latter wastes another opportunity, his dipping shot soaring over the bar.
Egypt 1-1 Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 21:48 , Flo Clifford‘88: Another change for Zimbabwe, Maswanhise is on for Jalai.
Another few minutes for Zimbabwe to hold on.
Egypt 1-1 Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 21:46 , Flo Clifford‘86: Wolves player Chirewa puts in a dig, an ambitious attempt from range, but can’t get it low enough.
Egypt 1-1 Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 21:43 , Flo Clifford‘84: Egypt have had just shy of 80 per cent possession in this but it’s been nowhere near the whitewash which may have been feared. Still time for that to change, but Zimbabwe are digging in.
Fathy hauls down Nakamba.
Egypt 1-1 Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 21:42 , Flo Clifford‘81: It looks like Hamdy has picked up an injury and he’s replaced by El Fotouh in a straight swap.
Egypt 1-1 Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 21:37 , Flo Clifford‘77: Adel sends a right-footed strike curling goalward but Arubi gets down to save.
Now Salah is released with a fine through-ball but launches it into the stands!
CLOSE! Egypt 1-1 Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 21:33 , Flo Clifford‘74: Zizo gets his header all wrong! It’s a lovely cross by Hamdy, floated across the face of goal past the hapless Fabisch, but Zizo sends it over from close range! Boss Hossam Hassan has his head in his hands.
Egypt 1-1 Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 21:32 , Flo Clifford‘72: Changes for Zimbabwe: Chirewa and Padera are on for Msendami and goalscorer Dube.
Egypt 1-1 Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 21:29 , Flo Clifford‘69: More frenzied action: Mohamed is on the receiving end of a cutback at the byline but sends a bullet header sailing well over the bar.
Egypt 1-1 Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 21:27 , Flo Clifford‘67: Changes for Egypt now: Adel and Zizo on for Attia and Trezeguet.
GOAL! Egypt 1-1 Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 21:24 , Flo Clifford‘64: It’s been coming for a while and Marmoush finally gets the equaliser!
It’s a moment of individual brilliance as Marmoush gets onto a lovely lofted pass forward, cutting in near the post and blasting it into the roof of the net!
Egypt 0-1 Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 21:21 , Flo Clifford‘61: Dube plays the ball forward with Bonne latching onto it perfectly; he lets off a low, bobbling strike that El Shenawy fumbles but just about gets it away.
Egypt 0-1 Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 21:15 , Flo Clifford‘55: An absolute barrage of Egypt attempts and there are shouts for handball by Garan’anga as the Zimbabwe defence attempt to clear!
Egypt 0-1 Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 21:08 , Flo Clifford‘48: Trezeguet tries to get off a right-footed shot but Zimbabwe get bodies back again and it bounces harmlessly wide.
Hamdy now pulls it back but the Zimbabwe defence are back in numbers again and send it out for a corner.
SECOND HALF: Egypt 0-1 Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 21:06 , Flo CliffordOne change at half-time, Maldon and Tiptree’s Macauley Bonne on for Navaya.
HALF-TIME: Egypt 0-1 Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 20:51 , Flo CliffordAnd that’s it for the first half! Zimbabwe lead through an inspired counter-attack and a regal Prince Dube strike in the 20th minute.
Having been under the cosh until then Zimbabwe really picked themselves up and it’s been an entertaining half, with Egypt continually frustrated despite having several fine chances.
SAVE! Egypt 0-1 Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 20:50 , Flo Clifford‘45+4: Marmoush picks up the ball and dances around the edge of the box; Zimbabwe seem spellbound by it and don’t challenge, but get around Salah in numbers as Marmoush plays it forward, and the Liverpool talisman is frustrated.
Egypt eventually get it back and another shot sails over the bar; the resulting corner is headed on by Trezeguet but Arubi gets his gloves to it.
Egypt 0-1 Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 20:47 , Flo Clifford‘45+1: Salah sends a pass bobbling into the path of Marmoush but the Man City man leans back as he pokes his toe at it and sends it over the bar.
Four minutes added on to this half.
Egypt 0-1 Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 20:45 , Flo Clifford‘44: Egypt try to get a late break but the box is crowded full of yellow shirts; it’s blocked and Zimbabwe counter.
It’s straight back down the other end and Trezeguet goes into the book for a blatant dive in the box as he’s closed down by Murwira.
Egypt 0-1 Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 20:42 , Flo Clifford‘42: Fathy hauls down Msendami and Zimbabwe have a free-kick, deep on the left. It’s cleared with ease.
Egypt 0-1 Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 20:40 , Flo Clifford‘40: Salah lofts the ball into the six-yard box again but Arubi leaps out to save.
SAVE! Egypt 0-1 Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 20:38 , Flo Clifford‘38: Marmoush unleashes an absolutely rocket from 25 yards out but Arubi gets his fingertips to it and palms over the bar!
Alarm bells ringing for Zimbabwe.
Egypt 0-1 Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 20:36 , Flo Clifford‘36: Well, that’s a big call for Egypt boss Hossam Hassan, and as expected Ashour isn’t too thrilled to go off.
Egypt win a corner... Hossam gets onto the delivery but directs his header over the bar.
Now Navaya sends the ball wide as Zimbabwe counter.
Egypt 0-1 Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 20:34 , Flo Clifford‘34: Ashour, who hasn’t really got his scoring boots on today, is hooked for the big centre-forward Mostafa Mohamed.
Attia has seen yellow for a rather robust challenge.
Egypt 0-1 Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 20:33 , Flo Clifford‘33: Marmoush gets the ball near the edge of the penalty area and the Egyptian fans rouse; but it comes back off Ashour and Zimbabwe counter.
Egypt win it back and blast it forward for Marmoush, but Arubi sprints way off his line to hoof it clear.
Egypt 0-1 Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 20:31 , Flo Clifford‘31: After a rather frenetic start it’s settled down a little. It looks like Egypt are already preparing to make a change.
SAVE! Egypt 0-1 Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 20:27 , Flo Clifford‘25: Oh my word, Zimbabwe nearly have another! A long ball falls perfectly for Msendami, who takes a touch before firing a low strike that cuts through the penalty area. El Shenawy flaps around under serious pressure, with Navaya there to take advantage at point-blank range, but the keeper eventually lands on top of it.
Danger up the other end, Ashour tries to get the ball across but Zimbabwe get bodies back to block; it falls to Marmoush on the left side but his shot bobbles to Arubi.
Egypt 0-1 Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 20:24 , Flo Clifford‘24: Egypt counter but Marmoush gets his attempt all wrong, hacking wide.
GOAL! Egypt 0-1 Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 20:22 , Flo Clifford‘20: Totally against the run of play, Zimbabwe are ahead!
Dube is left unmarked in the box, he latches onto a fine cross from Jalai; it’s an excellent first touch and Dube lets fly a left-footed shot, on the spin, that gets the better of El Shenawy - and the seven-time champions have work to do!
Egypt 0-0 Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 20:19 , Flo Clifford‘19: The corner is headed away by Hossam and Egypt break.
Ooh, Zimbabwe turn it over and counter; the ball falls to Fabisch just yards from goal, but under pressure by Fathy he can’t quite get a decent header on it. The first real spell for Zimbabwe.
Egypt 0-0 Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 20:16 , Flo Clifford‘16: Dube’s next touch is greeted with boos by the large Egyptian contingent in the stadium.
He lofts an attempt goalward but it takes a deflection on the way out for a Zimbabwe corner.
Egypt 0-0 Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 20:14 , Flo Clifford‘14: Attia clatters his man and concedes the foul; Hadebe stands over the free-kick but it’s turned over easily by Egypt.
Salah gets bundled over by Dube, who leaves his studs on the Egyptian’s ankle. He escapes a yellow for that and Salah isn’t happy.
CLOSE! Egypt 0-0 Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 20:12 , Flo Clifford‘12: Ashour spares Zimbabwe’s blushes as he makes a hash of another lovely Salah cross, half-volleying wide from the far post.
Egypt 0-0 Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 20:11 , Flo Clifford‘11: Hany floats a lovely cross deep to his teammates in the box, flying over the Zimbabwe defence. Takwara makes the block at close range before Attia blasts the follow-up over the bar.
BLOCKED! Egypt 0-0 Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 20:09 , Flo Clifford‘9: Navaya goes into the book for a stray elbow in an aerial duel.
This is going to be a long night for Zimbabwe. Egypt leap into action again, Salah is left unmarked in the centre of the box but eventually he is closed down and his shot blocked before Marmoush can pick it up.
SAVE! Egypt 0-0 Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 20:08 , Flo Clifford‘7: A long, low pass carves Zimbabwe open and Salah is the grateful recipient, sprinting onto it, lofting a pass over to Trezeguet at the far post - he shoots from point-blank range but Arubi makes a fine save!
Egypt 0-0 Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 20:06 , Flo Clifford‘6: Ashour tries a speculative claim of handball as the ball took a deflection off Garan’anga’s midriff... no dice.
Zimbabwe get in a flap trying to clear their lines from a free-kick. All Egypt so far.
Egypt 0-0 Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 20:04 , Flo Clifford‘4: Plenty of Egyptian fans in this stadium - or maybe just Mohamed Salah fans - and the volume goes up a notch as he dances in. Egypt get numbers forward and Ashour tries to flick it over the keeper but it goes out for a corner.
Egypt 0-0 Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 20:03 , Flo Clifford‘2: Egypt poach the ball in the centre of the park and build an attack down the right flank, but Takwara makes the crucial intervention.
KICK-OFF: Egypt v Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 20:00 , Flo CliffordHere we go!
Egypt vs Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 19:57 , Flo CliffordThe teams are out and we’re moments away from kick-off in Agadir.
Team news reminder
Monday 22 December 2025 19:54 , Flo CliffordEgypt XI: Mohamed El Shenawy, Hany, Ibrahim, Abdelmaguid, Hamdy, Fathy, Ashour, Attia, Salah, Trezeguet, Marmoush
Subs: Ahmed El Shenawy, Adel, Eid, Faisal, Fathi, Fatouh, Lasheen, Mohsen, Mohamed, Rabia, Saber, Shehata, Sobhi, Ahmed Sayed Zizo, Shobeir
Zimbabwe XI: Arubi; Murwira, Garan’anga, Takwara, Hadebe; Nakamba; Jalai, Fabisch, Dube, Mesndami; Navaya
Subs: Antonio, Padera, Chipezeze, Chakuchichi, Galloway, Lunga, Maswanhise, Mudimu, Fusire, Chirewa, Musona, Zindoga, Bonne, Wadi, Mauchi
Afcon 2025: How to watch every match for free on TV and online
Monday 22 December 2025 19:49 , Jamie BraidwoodThe Africa Cup of Nations is back and every game will be available to watch in the United Kingdom across Channel 4.
The broadcaster has secured exclusive rights to the 24-team tournament and will show every game - with the Boxing Day fixture between Mohamed Salah’s Egypt and South Africa live on Channel 4’s main channel.
The remainder of the group-stage games will be available to watch on E4 or 4Seven, or online on Channel 4’s streaming service
- Egypt v Zimbabwe, 4Seven / Channel 4 Streaming
- Egypt v South Africa, Channel 4 / Streaming
- Angola v Egypt, 4Seven / Channel 4 Streaming
Egypt v Zimbabwe
Monday 22 December 2025 19:42 , Flo CliffordWarm-ups are underway and the man of the moment is here...
Mohamed Salah apologises to Liverpool team-mates for bombshell interview
Monday 22 December 2025 19:35 , Jamie BraidwoodBefore travelling to the Africa Cup of Nations, Mohamed Salah apologised to his Liverpool team-mates for his controversial interview at Elland Road when he said he had been thrown under the bus by the club.
Midfielder Curtis Jones revealed that Salah was remorseful towards his team-mates after creating a storm when he accused Liverpool of breaking promises to him, said he had no relationship with manager Arne Slot and brought his future at Anfield into doubt.
Mohamed Salah apologises to Liverpool team-mates for bombshell interview
Africa Cup of Nations moved to every four years
Monday 22 December 2025 19:27 , Jamie BraidwoodThe Africa Cup of Nations will be held every four years instead of two from 2028, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced.
The tournament has traditionally been held biennially since its inception in 1957. The surprise announcement was made on the eve of the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off in Morocco on Sunday.
It follows a meeting of the CAF executive committee in Rabat, with president Patrice Motsepe announcing the major change in a press conference in Rabat.
The Africa Cup of Nations was initially intended to be held in July and August 2025, in order to avoid disruption with the European football season, but was then moved to avoid the expanded Club World Cup.
CAF president Motsepe said a new Nations League tournament would be played from 2029 - adding that switching the Africa Cup of Nations to every four years would “ensure more synchronisation with the Fifa calendar”.
Line-ups
Monday 22 December 2025 19:17 , Flo CliffordEgypt XI: El Shenawy, Hany, Ibrahim, Abdelmaguid, Hamdy, Fathy, Ashour, Attia, Salah, Trezeguet, Marmoush
Zimbabwe XI: Arubi, Murwira, Garan'anga, Takwara, Hadebe, Nakamba, Jalai, Fabisch, Dube, Msendami, Navaya
South Africa beat Angola in Group B opener
Monday 22 December 2025 19:12 , Flo CliffordIn case you missed it, action in Group B kicked off earlier this evening, with South Africa winning an entertaining tussle with Angola to get their campaign off to a fine start.
Why is the Africa Cup of Nations taking place over Christmas?
Monday 22 December 2025 19:05 , Jamie BraidwoodThe expansion of the Club World Cup and Champions League means Afcon will be played over Christmas and the New Year period for the first time.
Why is the Africa Cup of Nations taking place over Christmas?
Hosts Morocco off to a flying start at Africa Cup of Nations
Monday 22 December 2025 18:50 , Jamie BraidwoodA superb acrobatic effort from Ayoub El Kaabi sealed a routine victory for hosts Morocco in the opening match of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Morocco dominated from the opening stages in Rabat, enjoying plenty of possession but struggling to break down a resolute Comoros defence, with visiting goalkeeper Yannick Pandor saving an early Rahimi penalty.
Frustration began creeping in among the home fans as the first half ended goalless but they were soon encouraged after the break, with a renewed intensity from the hosts bringing the opening goal as Brahim Diaz fired in from Noussair Mazraoui’s cutback.
The Atlas Lions were able to totally dominate the game from there – with Rafiki Said providing the only Comoros chance as he forced a good save from Bounou – before El Kaaba’s stunning overhead scissor-kick effort sealed the three points on 74 minutes, giving the hosts the ideal start to a tournament many expect them to win next month.
Salah focused on Egypt and Africa Cup of Nations
Monday 22 December 2025 18:35 , Jamie BraidwoodEgypt coach Hossam Hassan has backed Mohamed Salah to return to form at the Africa Cup of Nations. The 33-year-old forward has not scored since November 1, a 2-0 win over Aston Villa.
"Salah's morale in training is very high, as if he were just starting out with the national team, and I believe he will have a great tournament with his country,” Hassan said.
“The same situation happened with Salah when he went through a period of not scoring goals with Liverpool.
"Then he returned to the right path through the national team and as a result he came back at a level even better than before. I believe he will deliver a strong tournament alongside his teammates.”
Mohamed Salah's record at Afcon with Egypt
Monday 22 December 2025 18:20 , Jamie BraidwoodEgypt are the most successful side in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations with seven titles - but they have not lifted the trophy with Salah and their last success came in 2010.
Salah has finished runner-up twice, in 2017 and 2021, where Egypt lost to Senegal and Salah was denied by Liverpool team-mate Sadio Mane.
Egypt tournament in 2023/24 when they failed to win a game and were knocked out on penalties in the last-16.
2017 - Runner-up
2019 (hosts) - Last-16
2021 - Runners-up
2023 - Last -16
2025?
Salah begins Africa Cup of Nations after Liverpool outburst
Monday 22 December 2025 18:05 , Jamie BraidwoodAll eyes are on Mohamed Salah as he begins his Africa Cup of Nations campaign following his explosive last few weeks at Liverpool - where he claimed he had been “thrown under the bus” and was dropped before subsequently apologising.
He’s suffered heartbreak at this tournament in the past and, amid doubts over his fading powers, it would be typical Salah to respond to a poor season by firing Egypt to the title in Morocco.
Good evening
Monday 22 December 2025 18:00 , Jamie BraidwoodIt’s that time again for Mohamed Salah and Egypt. The country’s greatest ever player begins his quest for glory with the continent’s most successful side. Can Salah and Egypt win the Africa Cup of Nations together? They begin their campaign this evening against Zimbabwe.
