Substitution explained
Hossam Hassan, the Egypt coach, held a quick meeting with Emam Ashour to clarify the full reason behind his early substitution after 30 minutes in Egypt’s clash with Zimbabwe in Agadir, the opening game of Group B at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, which runs until January 18.
A source told Kooora that Hassan explained to Ashour that he was forced to make the change to quickly adjust his attacking plan, believing the player had just returned from a long injury layoff, and that his fitness would not allow him to complete the match; so the decision was to take him off.
The source added: Hassan explained to Ashour, who started the game very understanding, that there was nothing at all to worry about, and that he is fully ready for upcoming matches.
Game events and conclusion
Egypt edged Zimbabwe 2-1 in the Adrar Stadium, in the opening for Group B of AFCON’s 35th edition, officiated by Senegalese referee Issa Cisse.
Prince Dube put Zimbabwe ahead in the 20th minute, before Omar Marmoush equalized for Egypt in the 63rd, after a pass from Mohamed Hamdi behind the defense, he cut in from the left and struck powerfully into the top corner past keeper Washington Arubi, his ninth international goal in 41 appearances.
In the stoppage time, captain Mohamed Salah tipped the scales for Africa’s 'king' after receiving a pass from Mustafa Mohamed, drilling a left-footed shot to the keeper's far left, his eighth AFCON goal and 64th international.
Punchline 1: Substitutions move faster than my Wi-Fi on game night. Punchline 2: Salah’s late goal had timing so perfect even the clock filed a tax return.
