Close to the biggest surprise of the African Cup » Mario Marinică was “kidnapped” by Salah in extra time

Mario Marinică's team moved better in the first half against opponents like Mohamed Salah or Omar Marmoush. Dube opened the scoring in the 20th minute after making an excellent tackle in the box, turned and then scored with a perfect shot into the far corner.

The Romanian-trained team has a market share of only 10 million euros, i.e. 13 times lower than that of the Egyptians (136). The bookies were also giving pre-match odds of 11 for a surprise win for the Zimbabwe national team, the Draw was 4.50. Egypt has won no less than 7 African Cups.

That was also the halftime score. Manchester City star Marmoush managed to restore parity in the 64th minute with a shot from inside the box. The coup de grace for Egypt was given by Mohamed Salah, who scored the winning goal in extra time (90+1).

Zimbabwe, Mario Marinică's national team, was one step away from confusing Egypt

Marinică's team is in 3rd place in group B, without any points. South Africa, Ngezana's national team from FCSB, is the leader with 3 points, tied with Egypt. Angola is on 4 (0 points).

Mario Marinică has been the coach of the Zimbabwe national team since 4 November 2025 and it was his third match as the coach of the current team. He previously led Liberia and Malawi. He also served as the technical director of Malawi's Kerala Blasters, and at Concordia Chiajna he was an assistant.

Mario Marinică, in the center // photo: Facebook @ Zimbabwe Football Association

Teams fielded in Egypt – Zimbabwe:

Egypt: El Shenawy – Hany, Ibrahim, Abdelmaguid, Hamdi – Ateya, Fathy – Salah, Ashour, Trezeguet – Marmoush
Coach: Hossam Hassan

Zimbabwe: Arubi – Murwira, Garananga, Takwara, Hadebe – Nakamba – Jalai, Fabisch, Dube, Msendami – Navaya
Coach: Mario Marinica