Mohamed Salah’s 91st-Minute Strike Sends Egypt to AFCON Group B Victory

Mohamed Salah struck deep into stoppage time to secure a dramatic 2-1 victory for Egypt over Zimbabwe as the Africa Cup of Nations Group B got under way on Monday in Morocco.

The Liverpool forward delivered when it mattered most, scoring in the first minute of added time to ensure a winning start for the seven-time African champions in Agadir. Earlier in the day, South Africa also opened their campaign with a 2-1 win, as Burnley striker Lyle Foster netted a decisive late goal against Angola in Marrakesh.

The results set up a mouth-watering Group B summit clash between Egypt and South Africa on Friday in Agadir. The two sides have met three times at AFCON finals, with Egypt emerging victorious on two occasions.

Salah delivers under pressure

Salah, who has recently been the subject of headlines following reported frustration over his role at Liverpool under Arne Slot, led by example for an Egyptian side shaken by an early setback.

Zimbabwe stunned the Pharaohs in the 20th minute when Prince Dube finished clinically to put the underdogs ahead. Egypt dominated possession but struggled to break down a resolute Zimbabwe defence until the 63rd minute, when Omar Marmoush restored parity with a composed finish.

Relentless pressure eventually told, and Salah pounced in stoppage time to steer home the winner, completing a hard-fought comeback and underlining his importance to the national side.

South Africa edge Angola in second-half surge

In the earlier Group B fixture, South Africa claimed a deserved 2-1 victory over Angola after dominating the second half.

Oswin Appollis gave Bafana Bafana the lead in the 21st minute, but Angola responded well and equalised through Show after 35 minutes as they enjoyed a strong spell before the interval.

South Africa regrouped after the break and increased the tempo, creating several chances. Their persistence paid off in the 79th minute when Foster struck the winner, moments after Tshepang Moremi had a goal ruled out for offside and Mbekezeli Mbokazi rattled the crossbar.

The victory ended South Africa’s six-match winless run in AFCON opening fixtures, dating back to 2006, and extended their strong record against Angola to three wins and two draws from five tournament meetings.

Belgian head coach Hugo Broos, who guided Cameroon to AFCON glory in 2017, admitted he was unhappy with his side’s first-half display.

“We had to avoid losing tonight because Egypt are next,” Broos said. “We led, then fell asleep and allowed Angola back into the game. At half-time, we corrected that.

“In the second half we applied more pressure, moved the ball quicker and created chances. Tshepang Moremi made a big difference — his pace made us dangerous.”

Mali rue late setback in Group A

Elsewhere, Mali were left frustrated after conceding a stoppage-time equaliser in a 1-1 Group A draw against Zambia in Casablanca.

After El Bilal Touré missed a first-half penalty, Mali went ahead in the 61st minute through Lassina Sinayoko. However, a lapse in concentration two minutes into added time allowed Patson Daka to head home a late equaliser for Zambia.

Mali coach Tom Saintfiet described the result as “very painful”.

“We controlled the match and wanted three goals,” the Belgian said. “After the missed penalty, emotions took over. The equaliser felt like a win for Zambia and a defeat for us.”

Mali now face hosts Morocco on Friday needing at least a point to stay on course for qualification.

Tournament outlook

Hosts Morocco lead Group A with three points following their opening 2-0 victory over Comoros, while Mali and Zambia have one point each.

Four matches are scheduled for Tuesday, including Nigeria against Tanzania in Fes and reigning champions Senegal facing Botswana in Tangier.