Zimbabwe may have lost 2–1 to Egypt national football team at the Stade de Agadir, but the scoreline barely captured the courage and resistance shown by the Warriors on a memorable AFCON night in Morocco.
Written off before kick-off, Zimbabwe national football team defied history and reputation to go toe-to-toe with seven-time African champions. Under Marian Marinică, the Warriors played with belief, structure and bite, unsettling the Pharaohs for long spells.
Zimbabwe struck first through Prince Dube inside 20 minutes, a reward for their fearless start. From there, they absorbed waves of pressure, with Washington Arubi producing a string of crucial saves, including a stunning stop in the 38th minute that kept the underdogs ahead. Egypt’s frustrations were summed up when Trézéguet was booked for simulation just before the break.
In midfield, Marvelous Nakamba led with authority, while Jonah Fabisch and Daniel Musendami repeatedly disrupted Egypt’s rhythm. Rather than Knowledge Musona or the much-anticipated Tawanda Chirewa, it was Musendami who emerged as Zimbabwe’s surprise tormentor.
The turning point came on 64 minutes when Omar Marmoush levelled with a moment of top-class quality. Egypt then turned the screw late on, and inevitable pressure told when Mohamed Salah struck at the death to seal victory.
History will show Egypt extended their dominance in a 14th meeting between the sides, but this was no routine result. Zimbabwe matched the giants stride for stride and left the pitch with pride intact.
In Group B’s other match, South Africa national football team edged Angola national football team 2–1, meaning the Warriors now face a must-win clash against Angola to keep their knockout hopes alive.