Egypt vs. Zimbabwe kicks off AFCON 2019
The wait is over: Egypt opens the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations against Zimbabwe tonight at 8 PM GMT in Cairo. Initially threatened by a Zimbabwean players’ strike, the match will now go ahead as scheduled.
The Pharaohs, led by Mohamed Salah, are heavy favorites. With six wins in their last eight games and recent warm-up victories over Tanzania (1-0) and Guinea (3-1), Egypt aims to claim a record eighth AFCON title on home soil. Runners-up in 2017, they enter the tournament in top form, determined to thrill their home fans.
Zimbabwe, appearing for the fourth time, has never advanced past the group stage. Topping their qualifying group ahead of the DR Congo, coach Sunday Chidzambwa’s Warriors aim to “make history,” but recent friendlies—a 0-0 draw against Nigeria and a 1-1 draw with Tanzania—highlight the uphill battle they face against Egypt’s seven-time champions.
