- Zimbabwe’s shot-stopper Edmore Sibanda was on hand to keep out the pair of Mohamed Salah and Mahmoud Alaa on several occasions during the encounter

- Egypt now lead Group A log with three points ahead of DR Congo vs Uganda tie on June 22

Mahmoud Trezeguet’s first half goal was all Egypt needed to beat Zimbabwe 1-0 in the opening game of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Friday, June 21, at the Cairo International Stadium.

The encounter saw the home-side start brightly as they went in search of the opener.

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But Zimbabwe’s shot-stopper Edmore Sibanda was on hand to keep out the pair of Mohamed Salah and Mahmoud Alaa.

The Pharaohs continued to enjoy the early exchanges as Liverpool star Salah kept pulling the right strings down the right flank.

The duo of Khama Billiat and Ovid Karuu where the Warriors' shining light going forward in the first half.

The Kaizer Chiefs forward came close to breaking the deadlock seven minutes before the end of the first half, but Ahmed El-Shennawy was spot on to deny him in a one-on-one situation.

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Moments later after Zimbabwe’s miss, the hosts nation went into the lead as Mohamed Trezeguet left two defenders stranded on his right before curling his strike past a hapless Sibanda to make it 1-0.

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The Pharaohs continued their onslaught in the second half, but Sibanda was on top of his game as he refused to be beaten again the second time as he parried Salah's effort in 66 minutes.

The Warriors on the other hand, continued to play second fiddle as the second half progressed.

They created chances but disappointed in the final third and could not take advantage of numerous set-pieces.

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In the 79th minute, Zimbabwe’s Evans Rusike replaced Mushekwi, with Talent Chawapiwa coming into the fray five minutes later.

However, the Warriors late resurgence was in vain, with Egypt holding on to claim all three points in their opening Group A game.

DR Congo and Uganda take their turn at each other when they meet on Saturday, June 22in the next Group A match.

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