The Africa Cup of Nations witnessed thrilling opening encounters in Group B as continental heavyweights Egypt and South Africa emerged victorious in hard-fought matches on Monday. In a dramatic conclusion in Agadir, Egypt’s Mohamed Salah delivered a decisive blow deep into stoppage time, securing a 2-1 comeback victory against a resilient Zimbabwe. The Pharaohs found themselves trailing after Prince Dube’s 20th-minute opener but equalized through Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush in the 63rd minute before Salah’s last-gasp heroics.
Simultaneously in Marrakesh, South Africa ended their longstanding opening-match jinx with a 2-1 triumph over Angola. Burnley striker Lyle Foster became the match-winner with his 79th-minute strike, capitalizing on South Africa’s second-half dominance. The 2024 bronze medalists had taken an early lead through Oswin Appollis before Angola’s Show leveled the scoreline. The victory marked South Africa’s first opening match win since 2006, setting up a crucial top-of-the-table clash against Egypt on Friday.
In Group A action, Mali experienced late disappointment as they conceded a stoppage-time equalizer to Zambia in Casablanca, settling for a 1-1 draw. Lassina Sinayoko’s 61st-minute opener was canceled out by Patson Daka’s dramatic header in added time. Mali coach Tom Saintfiet described the result as ‘very painful,’ particularly after El Bilal Toure had missed a first-half penalty. The result leaves hosts Morocco atop Group A with three points following their opening victory against Comoros.