Egypt – Zimbabwe: a serious first test for the Pharaohs 
Egypt starts its Africa Cup of Nations on Monday against Zimbabwe at the Adrar Stadium. On paper the tie looks lop-sided. On the pitch the Pharaohs know a poor opening game can mess up an entire tournament.
Egypt: the experience of a favourite that can’t afford to slip up 
It’s been fifteen years since Egypt’s last continental crown. Since then the Pharaohs have come close too many times and failed to finish the job. Two finals lost. Cruel scripts. The frustration still sticks to this generation.
Hossam Hassan feels that weight more than anyone. Former national hero, a three-time African champion as a player, he knows only a title will wipe the slate clean. With AFCON in North Africa, the public pressure never lets up.
Mohamed Salah is the centre of attention. At 33 the captain moves with the kind of clarity you get when you know chances don’t keep coming. Twice an unlucky finalist, he could be writing one of his last big chapters for the national team.
Egypt isn’t built around a single man. Trezeguet proved his worth in qualifying, Mostafa Mohamed remains a menace in the box, and Mohamed El Shenawy brings calm and authority at the back — aware that time isn’t on his side either.
Zimbabwe: new coach, a shaky setup 
Zimbabwe turn up with more questions than answers. The coaching change just before the tournament reshuffled the deck. Mario Marinica inherits a squad still under construction, with little time to install patterns.
Qualifying exposed clear attacking limits. Few chances created, a dependence on penalties, and notable absences up front. Without Walter Musona, the danger will fall almost entirely on Knowledge Musona.
At 35 the captain is still the natural leader. His experience, paired with Marvelous Nakamba’s midfield bite, will be vital if they want to contain Egypt. But Zimbabwe will have to play smart, sit deep and take every opportunity that comes.
Likely lineups
Egypt : El Shenawy, Hany, Rabia, Ibrahim, Hamdi, Fathy, Ateya, Zizo, Salah, Mostafa Mohamed, Trezeguet
Zimbabwe : Chipezeze, Murwira, Garananga, Hadebe, Lunga, Nakamba, Fabisch, Musona, Chirewa, Dube, Maswanhise
Key takeaways
- Egypt starts under heavy pressure to get results.
- Salah plays a central role, but the team remains solid.
- Zimbabwe arrive without clear tactical bearings.
- A serious performance from the Pharaohs should be enough.
Football Prediction Egypt vs Zimbabwe
Egypt to win
Zimbabwe can hold for a spell, close the spaces and make life difficult. But over 90 minutes the gap in control and experience should let Egypt win without panicking.
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