AFCON 2019: Egypt beat Zimbabwe by lone goal in Game opener

The Africa Cup of Nations will kick-off on Friday evening with the much anticipated match between the Egyptian Pharaohs and the Zimbabwe Warriors.

Host Egypt held on to a 1-0 lead from the first half to see off Zimbabwe in the opening match of the 2019 African Cup of Nations.

Zimbabwe’s defender Teenage Hadebe (R) fights for the ball with Egypt’s forward Mohamed Salah (C) during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) football match between Egypt and Zimbabwe at Cairo International Stadium on June 21, 2019. (Photo / AFP)

The tournament is historic for several reasons including the fact that 24 teams are participating for the first time, and it is being held in the June/July window rather than January/February.