- This Egypt vs Zimbabwe prediction article provides a comprehensive preview, key statistics, and head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash.
- The fixture marks day two of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
- Kick-off is set for 11:00 PM EAT / 9:00 PM local time at the Stade Adrar in Agadir.
Another blockbuster fixture awaits on Monday night at the Stade Adrar in Agadir as record African champions Egypt face Zimbabwe on the second day of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
This 35th edition of the tournament is already underway, with the hosts having launched their campaign on a positive note by defeating Comoros 2-0 on Sunday evening.
Egypt, positioned in Group B, are also among the favorites to lift the trophy.
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They are buoyed by a record seven continental titles and boast a formidable squad featuring one of Africa’s finest talents, Mohamed Salah, alongside Manchester City’s gifted attacker, Omar Marmoush.
The Pharaohs are determined to redeem themselves after a disappointing early exit in the last edition, where they were eliminated in the Round of 16 by DR Congo on penalties.
This marked a fourth consecutive tournament without claiming the title since their last triumph in 2010- a crown they had impressively retained for three successive editions from 2006.
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Since an opening defeat to Nigeria in 2021, Egypt have triumphed in their last ten opening matches, solidifying their status as a formidable force in this competition.
The tournament also offers Salah and his cohort of emerging talents a crucial platform to prepare for next summer’s World Cup.
Egypt will appear at the global event for just the fourth time- after 1934, 1990, and 2018, and will be seeking their first-ever victory when they face Belgium, New Zealand, and Iran.
For Zimbabwe, simply qualifying is a national achievement, yet they are no pushovers.
This marks only the sixth appearance for the Warriors at the Africa Cup of Nations, having been disqualified from the most recent edition due to a FIFA suspension.
However, their historical performance in the tournament tells a different story.
They have won only three of their 15 AFCON matches, losing ten, with victories over Algeria in 2004, Ghana in 2006, and Guinea in 2022.
They have never progressed beyond the group stages, which remains the objective for manager Mario Marinica’s side.
The squad features experience and reliability, with four players: Washington Arubi, Jordan Zemura, Khama Billiat, and Andrew Rinomhota- featuring in all six qualifying matches.
Here are the key details for Monday night’s clash between Egypt vs Zimbabwe, along with betting tips for your wager at Sportpesa, which offers a variety of markets and instant payouts.
What time does Egypt vs Zimbabwe kick off?
The match will be played on Monday, December 22, at the Stade Adrar in Agadir, with kickoff set for 11:00 PM EAT / 9:00 PM local time.
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Egypt vs Zimbabwe team news
Undoubtedly, Salah is expected to start and captain Egypt, despite limited minutes for Liverpool recently.
He will likely be joined in attack by Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush, though coach Hossam Hassan must decide between Marmoush and Mostafa Mohamed for the starting role; Mohamed showcased his tournament pedigree by scoring four times at AFCON 2023.
Mohamed El-Shenawy and Ahmed El-Shenawy are competing for the goalkeeper position, with the former likely preferred due to his experience.
Zimbabwe feature former Everton defender Brendan Galloway, while midfielder Knowledge Musona poses the primary scoring threat.
Walter Musona, who scored twice in qualifying, is not in the 28-player squad, but captain Knowledge Musona with 26 goals in 53 international appearances, is set to start in what could be one of his final AFCON appearances.
Luton Town midfielder Marvelous Nakamba will anchor the midfield.
Egypt vs Zimbabwe predicted lineups
- Egypt:Â El Shenawy; Hany, Rabia, Ibrahim, Hamdy; Fathy, Attia, Zizo; Salah, Marmoush, Mohamed.
- Zimbabwe:Â Arubi; Fusire, Hadebe, Takwara, Galloway; Nakamba, Rinomhota, Musona, Chirewa; Dube, Maswanhise.
Egypt vs Zimbabwe head-to-head record
Egypt have dominated past encounters, winning eight of the previous 13 matches, with four draws and one victory for Zimbabwe.
Their only AFCON meetings came in opening matches in 2004 and 2019, both won by Egypt.
Egypt are unbeaten in their last ten matches against Zimbabwe (W7 D3) and have won the last six meetings.
Zimbabwe’s sole victory was a 2–1 result in 1994 World Cup qualifying on December 20, 1992.
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Recent five meetings:
- Egypt 2–0 Zimbabwe – Friendly – 2004
- Egypt 2–0 Zimbabwe – Friendly – 2006
- Egypt 2–1 Zimbabwe – World Cup qualifier – 2013
- Zimbabwe 2–4 Egypt – World Cup qualifier – 2013
- Egypt 1–0 Zimbabwe – AFCON 2019
Egypt vs Zimbabwe prediction and betting tips
Egypt have scored at least two goals in five of their last six matches against Zimbabwe.
Mohamed Salah netted a hat-trick in a 4–2 World Cup qualifying win in Harare in 2013, with Knowledge Musona scoring for Zimbabwe.
Egypt’s opening-game record at AFCON reads: P26 W17 D3 L6 (a 67%-win rate). Their only opening defeat since 2021 was against Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe have never won an opening match at AFCON (D1 L4), with their only point coming in a 2–2 draw with Algeria in 2017.
All three of Zimbabwe’s AFCON victories have been 2–1 wins in final group games. They have never kept a clean sheet at the finals, and their heaviest defeat was a 4–0 loss to DR Congo in 2019.
Undoubtedly, Egypt are favorites to win on Monday night and will battle fiercely to start their campaign on a high, led by Salah on the frontline.
While Zimbabwe enter as underdogs, they are capable of springing a surprise, setting the stage for a tightly contested and thrilling encounter where goals could flow if both sides capitalize on their chances.