Egypt vs Zimbabwe: Can Maswanhise be the key player for Zimbabwe?

Egypt vs. Zimbabwe: A Goliath versus. David clash

No nation has been as successful as Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations. The Pharaohs have won a record seven titles and have their sights on adding an eighth to the trophy cabinet in this year's edition. However, the last time the North African nation was crowned, the African champions were in 2010.

Hossam Hassan's task as head coach in this tournament is to lead the nation to success and end a 15-year trophy drought. On paper, it might turn out to be a walk in the park, but the reality is more nuanced, as the competition they must overcome to achieve this feat is formidable.

Zimbabwe are making their sixth AFCON appearance. The Southern African nation missed out in the 2023 edition and are out to impress in the current one. However, facing Egypt in their opening match of Group B is not the way they anticipated starting the competition. 

The Warriors have underperformed in this fixture, losing eight of their last 14 matches. To make matters worse, they've never won an opening match in the Africa Cup of Nations (D1, L4).

For a side that has never progressed beyond the group stages in their previous five appearances, will this current edition be their breakthrough? Check out what our experts have to say in our Egypt vs Zimbabwe prediction for more insights on the match. 

Check out Egypt vs. Zimbabwe's past AFCON meetings:

• 25 January 2004, Group stage (Group C): Zimbabwe 1:2 Egypt 
• 21 January 2019, Group stage (Group A): Egypt 1:0 Zimbabwe 

See our AFCON 2025 predictions

Is Maswanhise a beacon of hope for Zimbabwe?

Despite Zimbabwe being slated for failure in the Africa Cup of Nations, Tawanda Maswanhise stands as a beacon of hope for his nation in these turbulent times. The 23-year-old made his debut for the senior national team last year in a 3-1 defeat to Kenya in a friendly clash on March 26th.

So far, he has made 14 appearances since that debut. It hasn't been a great display for the attacking right winger, who has scored one international career goal. That goal came against Kenya, helping his side salvage a point in a 1-1 draw in the AFCON qualifiers on November 15th.

However, Maswanhise has been making headlines this year for his terrific performance with Scottish club Motherwell. He is the second joint top scorer in the Scottish Premiership with eight goals in 16 appearances for the club. 

What sets him apart from other players is his blazing speed and aggressiveness. Those are two things that can pose a threat to any defense. That alone could be pivotal in the nation's success in this tournament.

Tawanda Maswanhise vs. Mohamed Salah: Africa's unequal duel

Tawanda Maswanhise is making huge strides for Motherwell this season, but comparing him to an icon such as Mohamed Salah is blasphemy. The level of quality should be the first indicator, with Maswanhise failing to elevate his performance in crucial international matches. The latter, on the other hand, has stepped up for his country when the need arises, and that was evident in the African World Cup qualifying campaign, where he led Egypt to just their second appearance on the global stage. 

En route, he made history by surpassing the likes of Didier Drogba, Islam Slimani, Samuel Eto'o, and Moumouni Dagano to become the all-time scorer with 20 goals to his name in an African World Cup qualifying campaign.

Another indicator could be the lack of tournament experience. The 23-year-old is making his first appearance in AFCON, meaning he has yet to deliver in Africa's major competition. For Mohamed Salah, this is his fifth appearance at this stage. Considered an accomplished footballer for Egypt, the 33-year-old has finished as a runner-up on two occasions (2017 and 2021). However, the major title has eluded him. 

Check out Tawanda Maswanhise and Mohamed Salah's AFCON stats:

View our Egypt vs Zimbabwe prediction