The 2019 AFCON got off to a difficult start with hosts Egypt struggling to register a lone goal over the Warriors of Zimbabwe to steal a win in the opener.

Mahmoud Trezeguet 41st minute strike was enough for the hosts to take away the maximum points despite Zimbabwe’s sterling second half performance.

Goalkeeper Edmore Sibanda made brilliant saves early in the first half which could have put the hosts in front before Khama Billiat missed a one on one affair with Goalkeeper El-Shanawy.

Mahmoud Trezeguet on the 41st minute, defended and picked the ball from his foe before rounding two defenders at the left side of the attack.

He then gave a quick pass to Hamid who also gave him back his pass before the attacker finally curled the ball to the far end of the post which resulted in a goal.

The Zimbabweans pushed for the equaliser but the defensive set up of Egypt was strong to penetrate.

The hosts defended the only goal until the break time.

In the second half, the Zimbabweans had to pushed for an equaliser as goalkeeper El-Shanawy saved another shot from Billiat whilst goalkeeper Edmore Sibanda also made a brilliant save after Trezeguet fired a shot straight to goal.

No goal was scored again as both sides defended very well until the referee blew his final whistle.

This means the Pharaohs moves to the top of the table with three points whilst Zimbabwe would be at the end with no point and a minus of one goal.