Egypt started their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quest with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Zimbabwe in Group C on December 23, 2025. The Pharaohs were pushed all the way by a determined Zimbabwean side but ultimately had enough quality to secure the three points. Egypt took an early lead, but Zimbabwe stunned the favorites with an equalizer just before halftime. The second half saw Egypt increase the pressure, and they were rewarded with a winner from a set-piece situation around the 70-minute mark. Zimbabwe fought valiantly but could not find a second equalizer. The victory placed Egypt at the top of the group alongside South Africa, setting up a fascinating head-to-head clash in the next round of matches.