Egypt begin their quest for a record-extending eighth Africa Cup of Nations title when they face Zimbabwe in their AFCON 2025 opener on Monday night.
The Pharaohs went through qualifying unbeaten and undoubtedly kick off the tournament as favorites to win the title. It’s been 15 years since Egypt won AFCON and Hossam Hassan’s side need to get things started on the right foot if they are to add to their collection at AFCON 2025.
Hassan is hoping to guide his side to the title that he won as a player for Egypt in 1986, 1998 and 2006.
The Pharaohs have made it to two finals — in 2017 and 2021 — only to fall to Cameroon and Senegal on both occasions.
They face a Zimbabwe side who kept three clean sheets in qualifying to worthy opposition, as the Warriors look to kick start their campaign with a major upset.
They will need to avoid defeat as they prepare for a Group B with stiff competition in South Africa and Angola.
Here we have a look at the key details ahead of the match and offer our betting prediction
Nigeria vs Tanzania – AFCON 2025 bets to bank on
Team news
The Pharaohs are counting on their English Premier League forward Mohamed Salah to lead the attacking line. Trezeguet is also very key to the Egyptian attack after he led the scoring charts in qualifying.
Man City’s Omar Marmoush is likely to start on the bench as Mostafa Mohamed is given a place in the starting XI. Mohamed bagged four goals at the last edition and this will give him the edge up front.
Zimbabwe captain Knowledge Musona, who has scored 26 goals in 53 appearances, will be the main man up front. Luton’s Marvelous Nakamba and Prince Dube will also offer a wealth of attacking options.
Head-to-head and current form
Since 2004, these nations have played against each other five times with Egypt winning all of them. The North African side has scored 11 goals in the process, while conceding just twice.
Current form
Egypt – WLDDW
Zimbabwe – WLLDL
Previous matches
Egypt 1-0 Zimbabwe (AFCON 2019)
Zimbabwe 2-4 Egypt (Qualifiers 2013)
Egypt 2-1 Zimbabwe (Qualifiers 2013)
Egypt 2-0 Zimbabwe (Friendly 2006)
Zimbabwe 1-2 Egypt (AFCON 2004)
Bafana Bafana vs Angola – AFCON 2025 bets to bank on
Prediction
In typical AFCON fashion, not many goals are expected in most games and this is likely to be one of them. Egypt boast a better squad on paper and are favorites ahead of this game, despite Zimbabwe having a rather resolute defense.
However, the Pharaohs are expected to grind out a narrow win here.
Photo: Visionhaus.Getty Images
ZarBet
- Very strong sign up offer
- Fast app on iOS & Android
- Extensive betting content
