Host nation Egypt grabbed a 1-0 victory over Zimbabwe in the opening group A encounter of the 32nd edition of African Cup of Nations 2019.
Mahmoud Trezeguet scored the only goal of the match to hand the Pharaohs all 3 points against the Zimbabweans.
Still taking in the breathtaking #AFCON2019 opening ceremony. #Egypt ?? had only 6 months to prepare for #AFCON2019 … very impressive ?? pic.twitter.com/Hpp1J8QC6W
— Joy Doreen BIIRA (@JoyDoreenBiira) June 22, 2019
#AFCON2019 has arrived in Cairo ??? pic.twitter.com/RMbEme88ku
— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 21, 2019
A winning start to #AFCON2019 for @ElNennY and Egypt! ??
Congratulations, Mohamed ?
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) June 22, 2019
Mahmoud Trezeguet for Egypt in first 45 mins vs. Zimbabwe:
• 1 goal
• 86% pass accuracy
• 5 duels won
• 4 succ. dribbles
• 1 key pass
• 1 cross
• 1 long ball?#EGYZIM #AFCON2019 pic.twitter.com/7ecHXPkYJ5
— Ayodeji Ayodeji (@AyodejiX2) June 21, 2019
Liverpool forward Mo Salah came close to doubling his side’s lead in the second half but his low drive was kept out by Zimbabwe keeper Edmore Sibanda.
As Zimbabwe struggled to develop any sort of rhythm with outstanding midfielder Khama Billiat contained.
The win puts Egypt top of Group A, which also contains DR Congo and Uganda. Those two sides face each other on Saturday at the same ground.