Rabat, Morocco. The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco promises a thrilling encounter as Egypt take on Zimbabwe in their opening Group B fixture. Set for Marrakesh Stadium on Wednesday, 24 December 2025, this match pits the African heavyweights against a determined underdog in a contest that could shape the early tournament narrative.
Egypt (The Pharaohs) enter the tournament with a squad blending experience and youth. Under coach Ali Maaloul, Egypt have maintained strong qualifying form, showcasing tactical discipline, sharp attacking transitions, and defensive solidity. Recent friendlies indicate a squad ready to dominate possession and exploit weaknesses in opposition defenses.
Zimbabwe (The Warriors) arrive with a mix of resilience and ambition. Despite limited international success in recent AFCON editions, Zimbabwe’s campaign in qualifiers was marked by spirited performances and key victories, particularly on home soil. Coach Siphiwe Tshabalala emphasizes compact defending and fast counter-attacks, intending to frustrate higher-ranked opponents.
Head-to-Head & Historical Context
Historically, Egypt has dominated encounters against Zimbabwe, winning the majority of their past AFCON meetings. However, Zimbabwe has occasionally sprung surprises, making no team underestimate their fighting spirit. This dynamic adds an extra layer of intrigue to the fixture.
Tactical Breakdown
Egypt’s Approach:Expect a 4-3-3 formation prioritizing ball control, quick wide attacks, and creative playmaking through midfield. Star forwards will be tasked with exploiting space behind Zimbabwe’s defensive line. Egypt’s tactical flexibility allows them to switch to a defensive posture if required, making them a challenging opponent to break down.
Zimbabwe’s Approach:Zimbabwe typically adopts a compact 4-5-1 or 4-2-3-1, designed to absorb pressure and counter swiftly. Their strength lies in disciplined defending, set-piece execution, and rapid transitions through pacey wingers and forwards. Key tactical battles will involve midfield duels and set-piece threats.
Players to Watch:
Egypt:
Mohamed Salah – Liverpool star and tournament talisman, expected to lead the attack and influence key moments.
Mohamed Elneny – Midfield engine capable of controlling tempo and breaking Zimbabwean attacks.
Zimbabwe:
Knowledge Musona – Veteran striker with experience in European leagues, crucial in leading counter-attacks.
Tino Kadewere – Forward with speed and technical ability to exploit spaces behind Egypt’s defense.
Injuries & Squad News
Egypt and Zimbabwe head into the match with largely fit squads. Any late injuries or suspensions could influence starting lineups, particularly for Zimbabwe, which relies heavily on a core group of attacking players.
Prediction:
Egypt are the favorites, but Zimbabwe’s defensive resilience and counter-attacking threat could make for a tense opening encounter. Analysts predict a tight match, with Egypt likely edging a win through individual brilliance and sustained pressure.
Possible scoreline: Egypt 2–0 Zimbabwe
A win for Egypt sets a positive tone for the group stage, while Zimbabwe will aim to secure at least a point to boost their qualification chances.