Egypt vs Zimbabwe prediction, H2H and probable lineups - 22 December 2025
One of the opening matches of the Africa Cup of Nations' first round will take place on Monday at the Ardar Stadium in Agadir, where Egypt will take on Zimbabwe. I'm offering a prediction on the outcome of this clash, with excellent odds for success.
Match preview
Egypt are traditionally among the favorites at the Africa Cup of Nations, and their opening match against Zimbabwe should be a confident step toward the playoffs. The team sailed through both qualification campaigns — for the 2026 World Cup and this AFCON — without suffering a single defeat. The Pharaohs netted 12 goals in six qualifiers, never allowing their opponents to dominate, even away from home.
Egypt's recent form has been inconsistent, but that's largely due to experimental lineups in friendlies and the Arab Cup. Now, with a full-strength squad featuring their attacking stars, the clash with Zimbabwe is a chance to lay a solid foundation for group success before facing Angola and South Africa next.
Zimbabwe, in contrast, are enduring a prolonged crisis, especially against stronger opposition. They've lost four of their last six matches, including World Cup qualifiers where they failed to win a single game. The Warriors managed to score more than once in only one of those fixtures, with their attacking play leaving much to be desired.
Following a coaching change, the team will try to play more cautiously and with greater discipline, but against a technically and tactically organized opponent, this may not be enough. Their only victory in the past six months came in a friendly against Qatar in mid-November, which hardly inspires confidence ahead of a clash with the tournament's most decorated side.
Probable lineups
- Egypt: Gabaski, M. Hany, A. Mohamed, A. Hegazy, A. Fotouh, M. Ateya, M. Elneny, Zizo, H. Fathi, Salah, M. Trezeguet
- Zimbabwe: T. Shumba, G. Takwara, T. Kamusoko, P. Muduhwa, J. Zemura, K. Mahachi, B. Kangwa, N. Tigere, G. Murwira, K. Musona, A. Muskwe
Match facts and H2H
- Egypt beat Zimbabwe 1-0 in their previous AFCON meeting (2019).
- Egypt are unbeaten in both AFCON 2025 and World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
- Zimbabwe have failed to win five of their last six games, losing four of them.
Prediction
Egypt are highly motivated to start the tournament with a convincing win, especially given Zimbabwe's unstable form. The Pharaohs' class and organization should be decisive from the very first minute.
