Egypt 1-0 Zimbabwe | Match Review | AFCON 2019

Trezeguet netted in the first half to give an otherwise disappointing Egypt a 1-0 victory over Zimbabwe in their opening Africa Cup of Nations clash at Cairo Stadium on Friday.

Despite being roared on by a sell-out crowd at the 75,000-seat venue, where Egypt won the Nations Cup in 1986 and 2006, the Pharaohs struggled to break down a disciplined Zimbabwe side who showed flashes of pretty football despite creating little danger.

Egypt appeared bereft of ideas and imagination in the final third, with even Mohamed Salah finding it hard to create space for himself, having been well shackled.

Trezeguet, who plays for Kasimpasa in Turkey, ensured there won’t be any embarrassments though when he scored a beauty shortly before the break.

Zimbabwe appeared slightly better in the second half, with Egypt failing to mount any threats. However, the record seven-time African champions will be content to bag all three points and edge close to a place in the last 16.

Defensive midfielder Tarek Hamed and central defender Mahmoud Alaa stood out for Egypt, with the latter winning the man of the match award on his competitive debut.

Egypt next face DR Congo on Wednesday before meeting Uganda in their last Group A match on 30 June. Uganda and DR Congo meet on Saturday.