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Egypt-Zimbabwe preview
Egypt begin their quest for an eighth record African Cup of Nations title when they face Zimbabwe in the opening Group B match at the Adrar Stadium on Monday.
Hossam Hassan’s side emerge as one of the pre-tournament favourites, while Zimbabwe enter the competition under new management following the appointment of Mario Marinica.
Since winning their seventh AFCON trophy in Luanda in 2010, Egypt have repeatedly come close to adding to their unprecedented tally, but have failed to clear the final hurdle.
The Pharaohs were beaten runners-up in 2017 and 2021, losing to Cameroon and Senegal respectively, although they took the lead in the former and survived an early penalty scare in the latter.
Now, under the leadership of three-time AFCON winner Hassan, Egypt is once again living up to the expectations that come with being the continent’s most successful nation, especially with the tournament taking place in North Africa.
Much of the spotlight will be on Mohamed Salah, who is playing his fifth CAN and his third as captain, aware that this edition could represent his last opportunity to win continental glory with his country.
The Liverpool striker was part of the teams that reached the final in 2017 and 2021 and will be eager to finally get his hands on the trophy and cement his legacy in African football.
However, Egypt must be careful not to become complacent in the face of a Zimbabwean team undergoing rapid change following the recent arrival of Marinica.
The Warriors’ change of direction could inject new ideas, but it could also reveal their inexperience at the tournament level, despite this being only their sixth appearance at the AFCON.
Egypt-Zimbabwe team news
Trezeguet dominated Salah in qualifying, scoring four times, and the winger is expected to play a leading role in the final third.
Hassan must choose between Omar Marmoush and Mostafa Mohamed to lead the line, with the latter having an impressive pedigree in AFCON having scored four goals in the previous tournament.
Veteran goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy is expected to feature, with the 37-year-old potentially playing in his final Africa Cup of Nations after a career that included several continental titles at club level with Al Ahly.
Zimbabwe are without Walter Musona, who scored twice in qualifying, but captain Knowledge Musona is included and should feature prominently.
The experienced striker, who has 26 international goals, is expected to start alongside Marvelous Nakamba in midfield, with Prince Dube and Tawanda Chirewa providing attacking support.
Lineups planned between Egypt and Zimbabwe
Egypt starting lineup: El Shenawy; Hany, Rabia, Ibrahim, Hamdi; Fathy, Ateya, Zizo; Salah, Mohamed, Trezeguet
Zimbabwe starting lineup: Chefze; Click, speak, Hadebe, Lunga; In the Fabisch case, the layman; Desk
How to watch Egypt vs Zimbabwe: TV channel, live stream online
Kick-off on Monday will be at 8:00 p.m. GMT (3:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. PT). In the UK, live CAN 2025 coverage is on Channel 4. In the United States, beIN Sports is the tournament broadcaster.
Online live streaming is available on a wide range of devices via Channel 4 website and the beIN Sports app and app.
Egypt vs Zimbabwe Statistics
- Egypt are seven-time winners of the African Cup of Nations.
- Egypt has reached two CAN finals since 2017
- Mohamed Salah participates in his fifth CAN tournament
- Zimbabwe have won three matches in all their CAN appearances
- Two of Zimbabwe’s six qualifying goals came on penalties
- Zimbabwe kept three clean sheets in CAN 2025 qualifying
