Egypt’s narrow 2-1 victory over Zimbabwe in their Africa Cup of Nations opener has drawn sharp criticism from former players and pundits, despite Mohamed Salah’s dramatic 91st-minute winner securing three points.

The Pharaohs registered 11 shots on target but struggled for efficiency in attack, while defensive errors have prompted calls for significant changes ahead of Friday’s crucial Group B encounter against South Africa.

Former Egypt international Mido highlighted goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy’s mistake, warning that such lapses would prove costly against stronger opposition.

“The players need to be more focused,” Mido told Al Nahar TV Network. “We achieved an important victory and created many opportunities, but if the defensive errors and mistakes made by goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy are repeated against South Africa and Angola, we will concede goals.”

The goalkeeping position has become a contentious issue, with some Egyptian media outlets suggesting 12-years-younger Oufa Shobeir should replace El Shenawy as number one.

Former Egypt head coach Hamada Sedki echoed concerns about the team’s structure despite their winning start.

“The victory was extremely difficult, but it was very important,” Sedki said. “Egypt clearly suffers in midfield depth and defensive shape, but the inclusion of Hamdy Fathy and Marwan Attia helped create relative balance.”

The 64-year-old cautioned against premature judgements whilst acknowledging correctable issues. “The errors are natural in football. It’s too early to judge the team, and these issues can be fixed with more matches and better cohesion.”

Sedki also outlined tactical adjustments, suggesting Omar Marmoush operates most effectively on the left flank whilst Salah should be deployed centrally rather than wide to maximise his goal threat.

Both Egypt and South Africa sit atop Group B with three points following opening victories, setting up Friday’s clash as a potential group decider.

South African analyst Johnson acknowledged Egypt’s quality whilst highlighting defensive vulnerabilities. “It’s gonna be a nice game, all they have to do is close the supply to Mo Salah and Omar Marmoush,” he told KickOff.

“Most of the Bafana Bafana players are used to African football, guys from Pirates and Sundowns are used to Champions League. So they know what it’s like to play against the Egyptians.”

The encounter promises to be one of the tournament’s standout group-stage fixtures, with both sides seeking to tighten their grip on knockout qualification.