Egypt vs Zimbabwe prediction 22.12.2025 | AFCON

Egypt begin their AFCON campaign with spirits raised following a much-needed friendly win against Nigeria on Thursday. Mostafa Mohamed's second-half goal secured a morale-boosting victory for Hossam Hassan's men. 

Before their friendly success on Thursday, Egypt had failed to win each of five previous international fixtures since November. 

Still, with a much stronger squad now available, the Pharaohs will be confident of their changes this week. Ranked almost 100 places ahead of Zimbabwe in the FIFA World Rankings, the Egyptians also claimed victory in each of three previous internationals against the Warriors. 

Head coach Hossam has a 26-man squad available for Monday's AFCON encounter. Mo Salah is poised to win his 108th cap. Mohamed Elneny is a notable name not included in the Egyptian selection. 

Zimbabwe come into Monday's Group B fixture with renewed optimism following a surprise 2:1 friendly win against Qatar on Tuesday. Bill Antonio's late goal secured an impressive comeback victory for the Warriors.

Mario Marinica's men had failed to win each of six previous internationals, with defeats suffered in four of their five most recent fixtures.

Ranked 125th in the FIFA World Rankings, Zimbabwe have struggled to find much winning form in the past 12 months. The Warriors lost seven and won just two of 15 international fixtures since October 2024.

Zimbabwe have also struggled to make much impact in previous AFCON events, finishing bottom of their group in all four previous appearances since 2006. 

Head coach Marinica has a relatively inexperienced squad available this week. Fourteen of the 26 players included have ten or fewer caps, while Tapuwanashe Chakuchichi is among three uncapped players included in the selection.