2019 AFCON: Egypt Records 1st Victory, Pips Stubborn Zimbabwe 1-0

BY COBHAM NSA – The Pharaohs of Egypt gave their vociferous home fans something to celebrate as flagged-off their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on a winning note.

A first half strike was all the host nation needed to decision the stubborn Warriors of Zimbabwe 1-0 in the opening game of this year’s continental championship taking place in Cairo.

Mahmoud Trezeguet scored the only goal of the match with a curled finished just before half time.

Liverpool forward Mo Salah also came close to doubling the scores for Egypt early in the second half but his low drive was kept out by Zimbabwe keeper Edmore Sibanda who was impressive on the night with breadth-taking saves.

However, Ovidy Karuru had Zimbabwe’s best chance late in the encounter but his 30-yard strike failed to find the net.

Generally, the game did not live up to the expected top billing as the Pharaohs, who dominated for large periods, struggled to find a way past the imposing Zimbabwean goal-tender, Sibanda

The 2019 AFCON stands out not only as the biggest tournament ever with 24 teams, but also the first ever to be played in Europe’s summer.

Two hours before the opening match, the continental soccer fiesta got off to a fantastic start, with the fans inside the 75,000 capacity Cairo International Stadium enjoying an attention-grabbing opening ceremony featuring giant pyramids on the pitch.

Also on parade were graceful dancers forming the shape of a pharaoh’s face as well as a huge fireworks display on the night. – With agency reports