adminof the Arab Cup Invitational tournament last night.
The Pharaohs seemed keen to win at all costs and, in the end, were awarded a dubious last-minute penalty at Boktopr 3 Stadium.
Zimbabwe also had a player sent off in controversial fashion.
Egypt came from behind to force a draw after Zimbabwe had drawn first blood just after half an hour when defensive midfielder Talent Mandaza’s scorching drive found its target.
The Egyptians equalised in the 77th minute when a defensive mix up by the defenders and goalkeeper Onai Chingawo left striker Nesma Ferry with an easy task to slot the ball home.
But the Mighty Warriors quickly regrouped and took the lead again two minutes later when substitute midfielder Emmaculate Msipa fired home a thunderous drive.
Zimbabwe, who had fluffed a lot chances in the first period, were under pressure after the expulsion of centre back Lynette Mutokuto in the 63rd minute.
The referee gave the Black Rhinos Queens defender her marching orders following what appeared to be a fair tackle on forward Ferry outside the box.
And it was only the beginning of a number of controversial decisions that went against the Mighty Warriors.
The Mighty Warriors tried to hang on for dear life but the hosts were awarded a dubious penalty, deep in injury time, when substitute defender Patience Mujuru was adjudged to have handled in the box in a desperate bid to block a shot from a free-kick. Egyptian striker Fayza Header coolly took the spot kick, sending captain Chingawo the wrong way to force a draw.
Zimbabwe were left to blame themselves for the first half chances spurned by Rudo Neshamba and Tsitsi “Figo” Mairosi.
The Cosafa champions displayed a good performance in front of a small band of Zimbabwean supporters, mainly students and the delegation from the Zimbabwean Embassy, who were dazzled by the midfield magic of Marjoury Nyaumwe.
The students cheered every touch and the Mighty Warriors celebrated every goal with the “Zora Butter” dance routine which now seems to be a signature celebration for the national teams after being popularised by the new champions Dynamos.
The Mighty Warriors, who wept after the final whistle, will now play Tunisia tomorrow needing nothing short of a victory by a healthy margin to be crowned Arab Cup champions.
The matches are being played on a round-robin basis and the team which accumulates the most points will win the Cup, which is played annually.
Egypt coach Mohammed Fathi hailed Zimbabwe’s performance and said a strong second half finish won his team a point.
“It was a good game. We saw a good game from Zimbabwe. But in the second half we came back better and it was now a 50-50 situation and we got the result. It will be difficult for us to beat Tunisia on Friday, they are a good team, but we want to win the trophy,” said the former Highlanders’ coach.
The Mighty Warriors’ technical adviser Maxwell Jongwe Takaendesa and assistant coach Yohane Chikaola were in charge of the match in the absence of the head coach Rose Mugadza.
Zimbabwe Team:
Onai Chingawo, Danai Bhobho, Lynette Magozore, Ruvimbo Mutyavaviri, Eunice Chibanda, Talent Mandaza (E. Msipa 77th minute, Marjoury Nyaumwe, Sheila Makoto (E. Jeke 57th minute), Tsitsi Mairosi, Rudo Neshamba(patience Mujuru 65th minute), Rutendo Makore (V. Bepete 57th minute).
Online Reporter