Egypt began their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a dramatic 2–1 victory over Zimbabwe in a Group B match played in Morocco on Monday.

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah scored a stoppage-time winner to secure all three points for the seven-time AFCON champions in their opening fixture of the tournament.

Zimbabwe draw first blood

Zimbabwe took a surprise lead in the 20th minute when Prince Dube found the back of the net following an assist from Emmanuel Jalai.

The goal came after Egypt had missed several early chances despite dominating possession in the opening stages of the match.

Egypt created multiple opportunities within the first 10 minutes but were unable to convert, allowing Zimbabwe to capitalise and go into the break with a 1–0 advantage.

Egypt respond in the second half

The Pharaohs increased the tempo after the interval and were rewarded in the 64th minute when Omar Marmoush scored the equaliser to restore parity.

As the match appeared headed for a draw, Salah—making his first start after spending four consecutive matches on the bench at Liverpool—delivered a decisive moment in the 91st minute, firing home the winning goal to seal a late comeback.

Group B standings and next fixtures

Following the result, Egypt joins South Africa at the top of Group B after South Africa defeated Angola 2–1 in their opening match

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Egypt will face South Africa in their next Group B fixture on 26 December in Agadir, while Zimbabwe will take on Angola on Friday in Marrakech.