Egypt vs Zimbabwe: Early Substitution Sparks Tactical Shake-Up in AFCON 2025
22 December 2025
Match context
Hossam Hassan, Egypt's head coach, made an early substitution 32 minutes into Monday's AFCON 2025 Group B opener against Zimbabwe in Morocco.
Tactical substitution
He withdrew Imam Ashour after Egypt conceded a goal in the 20th minute, struck by Prince Bob.
Sources described the change as tactical, not due to injury.
Egypt brought Mustafa Mohamed to boost the attack, while Hassan briefly deployed Omar Marmoush of Manchester City as the central striker.
First-half chances
In the first half, Egypt created several chances through Imam Ashour and Mahmoud Hassan, known as Trezeguet.
The afternoon at the AFCON 2025 venue in Morocco continued with Egypt pressing for an equalizer as Zimbabwe held firm.
Punchline 1: That sub came in faster than a rumor on transfer deadline day.
Punchline 2: If tactical substitutions were weapons, Hassan just unlocked "1: Sniper Mode" for the bench.
