As the Africa Cup of Nations moves into its first truly heavyweight clashes, Egypt may still be widely viewed as favourites, but the early signs suggest this tournament is far from predictable.
The Pharaohs opened their campaign against Zimbabwe as expected favourites, yet the Warriors showed that Egypt are not the untouchable force they are often made out to be. Zimbabwe’s performance sent a clear message to the rest of the continent: this Egypt side can be tested, pressed and beaten.
That theme has been echoed across the tournament so far. From Zimbabwe and South Africa to Senegal, Comoros and others, AFCON is once again proving why it remains one of football’s most competitive competitions. There is no clear frontrunner, and the gap between the traditional giants and the so-called underdogs continues to narrow.
Much of Egypt’s build-up has been clouded by off-field attention surrounding Mohamed Salah and his club situation at Liverpool. Despite that, Egypt remain among the top-tier contenders. But their opening match showed vulnerability.
Zimbabwe struck first through Prince Dube in the 20th minute, against the run of play, after early Egyptian dominance. Egypt responded in the second half when Omar Marmoush equalised in the 64th minute. Salah then sealed the win with a late injury-time goal, but the narrow margin told its own story.
Now attention turns to Adrar Stadium in Agadir, Morocco, where South Africa face Egypt in a match that has drawn interest well beyond the two camps involved. Zimbabwe, in particular, will be watching closely, with their own showdown against Bafana Bafana set for the 29th.
That upcoming southern African clash is already being framed as more than just a group game. For Zimbabwe and South Africa, it is about regional pride and momentum, a chance to stake a claim as the leading football force in the south of the continent. For both sides, this tournament represents a moment of revival.
South Africa arrive with confidence after a 2–1 win over Angola, their first opening-match victory at AFCON in 21 years. Goals from Oswin Appollis and Lyle Foster secured the result, despite Angola equalising through Show before half-time.
Group B has already earned the label “group of death”. Angola’s rise, Zimbabwe’s renewed competitiveness and Egypt’s status make every fixture decisive. Foster’s long-range winner could prove crucial, especially with Angola left feeling they deserved at least a point.
After the opening round, Egypt and South Africa both sit on three points with identical goal differences. Zimbabwe and Angola are still very much in contention, but the margins are tightening.
A win for either Egypt or South Africa in their next match would all but guarantee progression to the knockout stages. Conversely, defeat for either Zimbabwe or Angola in their meeting at Marrakesh Stadium on Monday would leave their hopes hanging by a thread.
AFCON has always thrived on unpredictability. And as this group continues to unfold, one thing is already clear: there is no obvious winner yet, and anyone who thinks otherwise has not been watching closely.
