Late Goals Define AFCON Matchday 2 As Egypt, South Africa and Zambia Grab Headlines

Late Goals Define AFCON Matchday 2 As Egypt, South Africa and Zambia Grab Headlines

By BSN Sports 

Matchday two of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations delivered late drama and decisive moments, with Mohamed Salah scoring a stoppage-time winner for Egypt, South Africa edging Angola in an entertaining contest, and Patson Daka striking at the death to deny Mali maximum points, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Egypt 2–1 Zimbabwe

Scorers: Marmoush (63’), Salah (90’) / Dube (20’)

Mohamed Salah produced a dramatic late winner as Egypt fought back to secure a 2–1 victory over Zimbabwe in their Group B encounter.

Despite dominating possession for long periods, the seven-time African champions were stunned when Zimbabwe took the lead in the 20th minute. Jordan Jalai burst down the flank before finding Prince Dube, who turned sharply inside the area and finished calmly past Mohamed El Shenawy.

Egypt responded with increased urgency after the break, pushing higher up the pitch and stretching Zimbabwe’s defensive structure. Their pressure paid off in the 63rd minute when Omar Marmoush raced down the wing and finished emphatically to draw Egypt level.

As the match appeared to be heading toward a frustrating draw, Salah delivered in stoppage time. The Liverpool forward controlled a high ball inside the box, beat his marker and fired home decisively to secure all three points and spark celebrations among Egyptian supporters.

South Africa 2–1 Angola

South Africa began their AFCON 2025 campaign with a deserved 2–1 victory over Angola in an engaging Group B fixture at the Grand Stade de Marrakech.

Bafana Bafana started brightly and took the lead in the 17th minute through Oswin Appollis, who reacted quickest to a loose clearance in the box, wrong-footed the defence and guided a low finish beyond Hugo Marques.

Angola gradually grew into the match and were rewarded in the 34th minute when Fredy’s inswinging free-kick was cleverly flicked on by Show to beat Ronwen Williams and restore parity.

The second half saw South Africa regain control following tactical changes by coach Hugo Broos. The pressure mounted as Mbekezeli Mbokazi struck the crossbar and Lyle Foster had a goal ruled out for offside.

The decisive moment arrived in the 79th minute when South Africa pressed high to regain possession. Nkota slid a pass into Foster’s path, and the striker curled a superb right-footed effort into the top corner to seal the win and underline South Africa’s growing confidence in the group.

Mali 1–1 Zambia

Scorer: Sinayoko (62’) / Daka (90+)

Patson Daka scored deep into stoppage time as Zambia snatched a dramatic 1–1 draw against Mali in a tense Group A encounter.

Mali dominated large spells of the match, controlling possession and pinning Zambia back for much of the contest. However, Zambian goalkeeper Willard Mwanza kept his side in the game with several key saves, including a crucial penalty stop from El Bilal Touré.

The breakthrough finally came just after the hour mark when Lassine Sinayoko reacted quickest to a loose ball in the area and smashed a powerful effort beneath the crossbar to give Mali a deserved lead.

As Mali looked to protect their advantage, Zambia pushed forward in search of an equaliser. Their persistence paid off in stoppage time when a lapse in marking allowed Daka to rise highest and power home a header, silencing the crowd and earning Zambia a valuable point.