Egypt Narrowly Defeat Zimbabwe in AFCON 2019 Opener
The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations kicked off with much anticipation as host nation Egypt faced Zimbabwe in the opening match of Group A at Cairo International Stadium. In front of 74,000 passionate spectators, the Pharaohs did just enough to secure a 1-0 victory against a resolute Zimbabwean side.
Egypt began the match on the front foot, dominating possession and probing Zimbabwe’s defensive lines. The Warriors, aware of the technical quality of their hosts, adopted a disciplined defensive setup, relying on the pace and attacking instincts of forwards Khama Billiat and Knowledge Musona to launch counter-attacks. Their compact formation made it difficult for the Pharaohs to find clear openings in the early exchanges.
The breakthrough came just before halftime, courtesy of Egyptian midfielder Mahmoud Ibrahim Hassan, aka Trezeguet. In the 41st minute, Trezeguet showcased his skill and composure, weaving past a defender inside the penalty area before curling a precise shot into the far corner of the net, leaving Zimbabwean goalkeeper Sibanda with no chance. Cameroonian referee Alioum Alioum then blew the whistle to signal halftime, with Egypt leading 1-0.
The second half began with Egypt asserting themselves once more. Trezeguet tested Zimbabwe’s defense with a series of long-range efforts, while Mohamed Salah attempted to influence the game from his right-wing position. However, as the match progressed, Zimbabwe regained control, frustrating the Egyptian attack with their structured defensive play and occasional counter-attacks. Salah, in particular, struggled to find space and rhythm; his most notable opportunity came late in the game when a right-footed shot was comfortably saved by Sibanda.
Despite moments of pressure from the Warriors, Egypt held firm, protecting their slender lead until the final whistle. The victory ensures that the Pharaohs kick off their 2019 AFCON campaign with three points, an essential start for a team aiming to secure a record eighth AFCON title on home soil.
Coach Javier Aguirre will undoubtedly be encouraged by the performance of Trezeguet, whose goal and overall movement added creativity to Egypt’s attack. The defensive resilience of the Pharaohs, combined with their ability to withstand Zimbabwe’s counter-attacks, will be key in their upcoming fixtures.
Looking ahead, Egypt will face DR Congo in their second Group A match on Wednesday, June 26, at 8 PM GMT. With the group stage set to be competitive, maintaining focus and refining their attacking play will be crucial for the Pharaohs as they aim to advance deep into the tournament.
While Salah may be left reflecting on a subdued debut, the main objective—a win in front of the home crowd—has been achieved. Egypt now turns its attention to the Leopards of DR Congo, seeking to build momentum in pursuit of continental glory in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
