The 2025 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, held in Morocco, will see Egypt take on Zimbabwe in the first match of Group B on Monday at the Grand Stade Agadir in Morocco.
The Pharaohs head into this year’s AFCON as one of the favourites after an impressive, unbeaten qualifying campaign that showcased their strength and depth. Despite this, their recent form has been patchy, with the Pharaohs failing to secure a win within 90 minutes in five of their pre-tournament friendlies.
A 2-1 triumph over Nigeria in their final warm-up match will provide some confidence, but the team will be looking to find consistency as the competition kicks off.
Zimbabwe, on the other hand, returned to the AFCON stage after missing the 2023 tournament due to a FIFA suspension over government interference. Known as the Warriors, they managed to qualify for the 2025 finals by finishing second in their group, but their overall record has been mixed, with just two wins in their last 17 matches.
A recent 2-1 friendly win over Qatar gives them a morale boost, but they face a steep challenge against more experienced sides like Egypt.
Read our Egypt vs Zimbabwe predictions and preview to find out, but remember to also check our other AFCON predictions.
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Egypt vs Zimbabwe prediction: The Pharaohs to claim a win
Key statistics
- BTTS have been scored in three of their last five meetings.
- Egypt have won their last five encounters with Zimbabwe.
- Over 2.5 goals have been scored in three of their last five clashes.
Correct score prediction: Egypt 2-1 Zimbabwe
Most of the time, opening games are always tricky, but we expect Egypt to claim a narrow win in this tie. Zimbabwe have struggled against higher-ranked African sides and Egypt’s attack have been decent.
Despite some recent friendly setbacks, Egypt remain a well-organised and efficient team, with world-class attacking talent capable of winning matches. We expect a narrow 2–1 victory for Egypt in this Group B clash.
Pre-match odds and win probability: Egypt heavy favourites
- Home: 1/3 (1.33) – 71.4%
- Draw: 16/5 (4.20) – 23.8%
- Away: 7/1 (8.00) – 12.5%
*Odds provided by Ladbrokes. Subject to change.*
The bookmakers have strongly favoured Egypt, with odds of 1.33, implying a 71.4% chance of victory. Zimbabwe are clear underdogs at 8.00 (12.5%), while a draw is priced at 4.20 (23.8%). The odds suggest Egypt have a significant advantage and are expected to dominate this encounter.
Most recent head-to-head: Record dominated by the Pharaohs
Looking at their previous records, the last five competitive meetings between Egypt and Zimbabwe show a clear dominance for the Pharaohs. Egypt has secured five consecutive victories against the Warriors.
Their last meeting saw Egypt claim a 1-0 victory in the 2019 AFCON and another 2-4 defeat for Zimbabwe in the 2013 World Cup qualifiers. The Pharaohs have scored at least two goals in four of those five encounters.
After reviewing our key Egypt vs Zimbabwe predictions, be sure to visit our website for the remaining football betting tips today.
Egypt preview: No injury concerns
Egypt enter this opening group-stage clash largely untroubled by injuries, giving coaches a nearly full squad to choose from. Egypt have reported no new fitness issues, allowing Hossam Hassan to select from his preferred lineup without major concerns.
Predicted lineup: El Shenawy (GK), Hany, Yasser, Hossam, Fatouh, Marwan, Hamdy, Emam, Salah, Mostafa & Marmoush
Last five fixtures
- 16.12.25 – Egypt 2–1 Nigeria (Friendly)
- 09.12.25 – Egypt 0–3 Jordan (Arab Cup)
- 06.12.25 – United Arab Emirates 1–1 Egypt (Arab Cup)
- 02.12.25 – Egypt 1–1 Kuwait (Arab Cup)
- 17.11.25 – Egypt 2–1 Cape Verde (Friendly)
Zimbabwe preview: One key player missing
Zimbabwe, however, have made one notable omission, with Marshall Munetsi, the Wolves midfielder and vice-captain, not included in the squad due to fitness doubts. While Zimbabwe retain most of their other players, the team may need to adjust tactics to compensate for the loss of their vice-captain in this crucial opener.
Predicted lineup: Chipezeze (GK), Hadebe, Garananga, Lunga, Jalai, Nakamba, Fabisch, Rinomhota, Chirewa, Musona & Dube
Last five fixtures
- 17.11.25 – Qatar 1–2 Zimbabwe (Friendly)
- 13.11.25 – Algeria 3–1 Zimbabwe (Friendly)
- 13.10.25 – Lesotho 1–0 Zimbabwe (World Cup Qualifier)
- 10.10.25 – Zimbabwe 0–0 South Africa (World Cup Qualifier)
- 09.09.25 – Zimbabwe 0–1 Rwanda (World Cup Qualifier)
Player to watch: Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah has been Egypt’s best player in the last couple of years and will be instrumental in their opening game against this Zimbabwean side. As the team's captain and star player, his performance is important to Egypt's success in any tournament.
Salah has consistently been the team's top goalscorer and creator in recent competitive matches. This season, he has scored five goals and provided four assists for Liverpool and his finishing will be essential in ensuring the Pharaohs secure a winning start to their AFCON campaign.