Mohamed Salah and Lyle Foster scored late winners as Egypt and South Africa claimed vital victories in their opening Africa Cup of Nations Group B matches
MOHAMED Salah scored a stoppage-time winner to give Egypt a 2-1 victory over Zimbabwe in their Africa Cup of Nations Group B opener.
The Liverpool forward struck in the first minute of added time to snatch the three points for the record seven-time champions.
Earlier, Burnley striker Lyle Foster netted a 79th-minute winner as South Africa defeated Angola 2-1 in Marrakesh.
The results set up a top-of-the-table clash between Egypt and South Africa in Agadir on Friday.
Salah worked tirelessly for an Egyptian side rattled by falling behind to Prince Dube’s 20th-minute opener.
The Pharaohs had to wait until the 63rd minute for an equaliser from Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush.
Relentless pressure finally paid off in added time when Salah’s perseverance secured a dramatic win.
South Africa dominated the second half against Angola after a lacklustre opening 45 minutes.
Oswin Appollis put the 2024 bronze medallists ahead on 21 minutes before Angola levelled through Show after 35 minutes.
Victory ended South Africa’s six-match winless run in opening AFCON matches dating back to 2006.
Belgian coach Hugo Broos admitted he was unhappy with his team’s first-half performance.
“We had to avoid losing tonight because next up for us are Egypt,” said Broos.
“We led in the opening half and then we fell asleep and let Angola back into the game.”
Mali coach Tom Saintfiet said conceding a late equaliser in a 1-1 Group A draw with Zambia was “very painful”.
Mali took the lead through Lassina Sinayoko on 61 minutes after El Bilal Toure had a first-half penalty saved.
Patson Daka headed Zambia’s equaliser two minutes into added time as two Mali defenders stood still.
“The equaliser felt like a victory for Zambia and a defeat for Mali,” Saintfiet said.
Hosts Morocco lead Group A with three points after their opening 2-0 win over Comoros.
Mali and Zambia have one point each ahead of their next matches on Friday.
