Egypt have won all six meetings with Zimbabwe this century, most-recently beating them 1-0 in the opening match of the 2019 AFCON, with Trézéguet the only scorer at the Cairo International Stadium.
Egypt vs Zimbabwe preview
As always, this Africa Cup of Nations will either end with Egypt hoisting the trophy aloft, or failure, so the pressure is immense on this team to deliver glory. The Pharaohs are the record seven-times winners of this competition, including an unprecedented three-peat between 2006 and 2010, but that remains their most-recent success. Since then, they have been beaten in two finals, defeated by Cameroon in Libreville in 2017 and then Senegal on penalties in Yaoundé five years later, before ignominiously crashing out in the round of 16 against South Africa last year.
Next summer, Egypt will feature at the World Cup for just the fourth time, after 1934, 1990 and 2018, seeking a first-ever victory at the tournament when they take on Belgium, New Zealand and Iran. Despite securing qualification, head coach Hossam Hassan almost certainly won't still be in charge come June unless his team are crowned African champions on 18 January. Before any of that, will the Pharaohs make a winning start at Grand Stade d'Agadir?
As for Zimbabwe, simply being here is an achievement. This will be just the sixth time the Warriors have competed at an Africa Cup of Nations, disqualified from featuring at the most-recent edition due to FIFA suspension.
They have only ever won three of 15 AFCON matches, losing ten, enjoying victories over Algeria in 2004, Ghana two years later and then Guinea in 2022, but never going beyond the group stages, which has to be the aim for Mario Marinică's side. Well, having won only two of their last 16 competitive matches, only beating Namibia twice since January 2022, very little is expected of this team, likely to finish bottom of Group B, with Egypt expected to cruise to victory in Agādīr.
Egypt vs Zimbabwe head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 15.
- Egypt Wins: 9. Draws: 4. Zimbabwe Wins: 2.
Egypt team news
Hossam Hassan has not called up veteran Mohamed Elneny, who instead featured at the FIFA Arab Cup earlier this month, but there is still plenty of talent in this team.
Former Aston Villa winger Trézéguet as well as Mostafa Mohamed of Nantes are vying for staring spots in attack, but Manchester City's Omar Marmoush will certainly start, alongside a certain Egyptian king.
Egypt predicted lineup vs Zimbabwe: (4-3-3): El Shenawy; Hany, Rabia, Ibrahim, Hamdy; Fathy, Attia, Zizo; Salah, Marmoush, Mohamed.
Egypt player to watch vs Zimbabwe
Mohamed Salah has had an eventful few weeks at Liverpool, but has scored 63 times for his country to date, six adrift manager Hossam Hassan's all-time record, so will he fire them to victory here?
Zimbabwe team news
There aren't too many familiar faces in the Zimbabwe team.
Brendan Galloway, Sean Fusire, Marvelous Nakamba, Andy Rinomhota and Tawanda Chirewa all ply their trade in England, as does striker Macauley Bonne who plays for eighth tier Maldon & Tiptree.
Defender Teenage Hadebe of FC Cincinnati is a key figure, as is veteran midfielder Knowledge Musona.
Zimbabwe predicted lineup vs Egypt: (4-4-2): Arubi; Fusire, Hadebe, Takwara, Galloway; Nakamba, Rinomhota, Musona, Chirewa; Dude, Maswanhise.
Zimbabwe player to watch vs Egypt
Striker Tawanda Maswanhise has been on fire for Scottish Premiership side Motherwell this season, scoring 12 goals for the Steelmen, so can he add to his solitary strike for Zimbabwe?
Egypt vs Zimbabwe prediction
We cannot see beyond a routine Egypt victory at Grand Stade d'Agadir, with the Pharaohs commencing, what they hope will be, the start of a run to AFCON glory: Egypt 2-0 Zimbabwe.
Egypt vs Zimbabwe FAQs - Africa Cup of Nations
How to watch Egypt vs Zimbabwe in the Africa Cup of Nations on TV channel?
Egypt vs Zimbabwe in the Africa Cup of Nations will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: 4seven
- USA: beIN SPORTS, fuboTV & Fanatiz USA
- Canada: beIN Sports Canada, fuboTV Canada & Fanatiz Canada
How to watch Egypt vs Zimbabwe in the Africa Cup of Nations on live streaming?
Egypt vs Zimbabwe in the Africa Cup of Nations will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Channel4.com & Channel 4 Sport YouTube
- USA: beIN SPORTS CONNECT & fuboTV
- Canada: beIN SPORTS CONNECT Canada & fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Egypt vs Zimbabwe in the Africa Cup of Nations?
Egypt vs Zimbabwe takes place on Monday 22 December 2025, with kick off at 20:00 (GMT), 15:00 (ET) & 12:00 (PT).