Mohamed Salah arrived in Morocco under a cloud of controversy. Four consecutive games on Liverpool's bench. A public spat with Arne Slot. Whispers of a Saudi Arabia departure. Yet when Egypt needed him most against Zimbabwe in their AFCON 2025 opener, the 33-year-old delivered a reminder of why he remains one of football's most decisive players.
A captain's response under pressure
The Grand Stade d'Agadir witnessed a dramatic turnaround as Egypt came from behind to beat Zimbabwe 2-1 in their Group B opener. Salah's 91st-minute winner – a precise left-footed finish into the bottom corner – capped an evening that could prove pivotal for his immediate future.
Making his first start in nearly a month following his fallout with Slot, the Egyptian captain showed no signs of the rustiness that plagued his final Premier League appearances. This was Salah at his most lethal – patient, clinical, and utterly composed when the moment demanded.
Zimbabwe's shock lead and Egypt's struggles
The Warriors of Zimbabwe, ranked 129th in the world, executed a perfectly planned upset for 64 minutes. Prince Dube's 20th-minute opener capitalized on defensive confusion from Hossam Abdelmaguid, the striker turning and finishing with remarkable composure inside the area.
Egypt dominated possession – a staggering 77.2% compared to Zimbabwe's 22.8% – but found themselves repeatedly frustrated by goalkeeper Washington Arubi, who produced nine saves in an inspired display. The Pharaohs attempted 35 shots, 11 on target, yet trailed at halftime.
Tactical adjustments unlock Zimbabwe
Coach Hossam Hassan's decision to introduce Mostafa Mohamed after just 33 minutes signaled urgency. The formation shift allowed Omar Marmoush more freedom on the left flank, and it was from this position that the Manchester City winger equalized in the 64th minute.
Marmoush collected a long ball, cut inside, and fired right-footed past Arubi from an acute angle – a goal that showcased both his individual brilliance and the tactical adjustments that eventually unlocked Zimbabwe's defensive structure.
"We created many chances without being able to score early, but in the end everything went well."
— Omar Marmoush
The Liverpool elephant in the room
Salah's goal cannot be separated from the context surrounding his departure to Morocco. Just days ago, Liverpool manager Arne Slot addressed the media about their situation: "Actions speak louder than words. We moved on."
Yet the Egyptian's emotional lap of honour at Anfield before leaving, combined with his cryptic comments about not knowing what happens next, suggest the story is far from concluded. Reports indicate Saudi Pro League clubs remain interested, with Al Hilal and Al Ittihad monitoring the situation ahead of January.
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan has dismissed any suggestion of crisis: "Whenever Salah's performances dip with his club, he regains his strength with the national team and becomes even better. Then he returns to his club even stronger."
Statistical breakdown
- Possession: Egypt 77.2% - Zimbabwe 22.8%
- Shots on target: Egypt 11 - Zimbabwe 3
- Total shots: Egypt 35 - Zimbabwe 8
- Corners: Egypt 8 - Zimbabwe 3
- Saves: Egypt 2 - Zimbabwe 9
What this means for Egypt's campaign
The Pharaohs have now broken a run of six consecutive draws across the last two AFCON editions. More importantly, they've demonstrated the mentality required to compete for an eighth continental title – a trophy Salah has never won.
Egypt face South Africa on Boxing Day in what promises to be a defining Group B encounter. The Bafana Bafana also won their opener, defeating Angola 2-1, setting up a top-of-table clash in Agadir.
For Salah, this tournament represents perhaps his final chance to fill the one glaring void in an extraordinary trophy cabinet. Whether he returns to Liverpool afterward – or pursues a lucrative move to the Middle East – may depend on how the next few weeks unfold in Morocco.
Key moments
- 20': Dube gives Zimbabwe a shock lead
- 33': Mostafa Mohamed replaces Ashour in early tactical switch
- 64': Marmoush equalizes with brilliant solo goal
- 90+1': Salah wins it with clinical left-footed finish
Final score: Egypt 2-1 Zimbabwe
Scorers: Marmoush 64', Salah 90+1' / Dube 20'