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Egypt vs. Zimbabwe lineups, preview

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Dec 22, 2025 2:10 PM ET

The Egyptian national team will play their first game of the 2025 AFCON against Zimbabwe. The two teams are in Group B along with Angola and South Africa.

Egypt is one of the top teams in the AFCON this year and has qualified for the 2026 World Cup, alongside other notable national teams. Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan called up star players like Mohamed El Shenawy, Trezeguet, Mostafa Mohamed, Omar Marmoush and Mohamed Salah.

Egypt topped Group A of the CAF World Cup qualifiers with 26 points after 10 matches. Their record in the Africa World Cup qualifiers was eight wins and two draws.

Egypt played a friendly match against Nigeria last week, winning 2-1. The goal scorers for Egypt's win over Nigeria were Mahmoud Saber and Mostafa Mohamed.

Egyptian players celebrate their second goal during an International Friendly match between the national football teams of Egypt and Nigeria at Cairo International Stadium on December 16, 2025 in Cairo, Egypt. The teams are preparing for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations that kicks off in Morocco on December 21st and runs until January 18th. (Photo by Sayed Hassan/Getty Images)

Zimbabwe did not qualify for the 2026 World Cup after finishing last in Group C of the CAF World Cup qualifiers. Their record after 10 World Cup qualifier games was zero wins, five draws, and five losses.

Zimbabwe played two friendly matches before the AFCON: Algeria and Qatar. Zimbabwe lost 3-1 to Algeria and then defeated Qatar 2-1. Tawanda Chirewa scored in the loss to Algeria.

Munashe Garananga and Bill Antonio scored the two goals Zimbabwe scored against Qatar in November.

Where to watch Egypt vs. Zimbabwe

Egypt vs Zimbabwe will kick off at 3 p.m. ET/ 12 p.m. PT in the United States. The match will kick off at 9 p.m. local time in Agadir, Morocco, at the Stade d'Agadir.

The match will be available to watch in the United States and in other countries.