Egypt got their Africa Cup of Nations campaign off to a flying start as Trezeguet's brilliant goal secured the moral boosting 1-0 win over Zimbabwe.
Egyptian star Mohamed Salah was in sizzling form in Cairo on Friday, but it was Egypt's other winger who broke the deadlock shortly before half-time in the Group A opener.
It was no less than seven-time winners Egypt deserved, with Zimbabwe's Edmore Sibanda – who was forced off through injury late on – having made a string of impressive saves to keep the tournament hosts at bay.
Salah was denied by another fine Sibanda stop midway through the second half, but Egypt's profligacy did not come back to bite them as they comfortably secured the points.
Egypt talisman Salah was involved inside two minutes into the encounter when his deflected cross forced a save from Sibanda, who then kept out Marwan Mohsen from the resulting corner.
Mahmoud Alaa should have turned home a Salah corner and Egypt were almost punished when Khama Billiat got through at the other end, but Mohamed El-Shenawy was alert enough as he made a brave stop.
Egypt finally got their breakthrough four minutes before half-time , as Trezeguet cutting in from the left fired in a sublime finish into the bottom-right corner.
Trezeguet looked set to get a brace shortly after the restart, only to be denied by Sibanda who pulled off yet another wonderful save to his left.
Sibanda's remarkable performance in the encounter continued, as the 35-year-old reacting sharply to get down to Salah's close-range effort in the 67th minute.
Zimbabwe's goalkeeper finally succumbed to a knock with 10 minutes remaining, as he was substituted by deputy Elvis Chipezeze, though he proved his worth with a brilliant late stop to deny Salah and ensure Egypt had to settle for a one-goal victory.
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