AFCON cameraman made big blunder during Egypt national anthem before Mo Salah heroics

AFCON viewers noticed an anthem mistake during Egypt's matchup against Zimbabwe before Mohamed Salah's extra-time goal, which tied Egypt with South Africa for top Group B standings

AFCON's camera crew put the spotlight on the wrong side during Egypt's national anthem

The Africa Cup of Nations saw Monday night's Group B clash between Egypt and Zimbabwe get off to an awkward start before a ball was kicked.

A production blunder during the national anthems drew immediate backlash online before Liverpool star Mohamed Salah produced his latest late-game heroics. The beIN Sports broadcast became a talking point when viewers noticed the cameraman focusing on the wrong team during Egypt's anthem.

As "Bilady, Bilady, Bilady," played over the stadium speakers, the broadcast cameras showed Zimbabwe's players during their lineup and supporters rather than Egypt's lineup. They showcased Knowledge Musona, Gerald Takwara, Munashe Garananga, and Daniel Msendami instead of the Liverpool star and co.

Social media caught the mistake instantly and reacted in real-time, with fans questioning how such a basic error could occur on one of African football's biggest stages.

The anthem mishap occurred on the same day Zimbabwe marked its 38th National Unity Day, commemorating the historic Unity Accord signed in 1987.

While some viewers saw symbolism, others simply attributed it to AFCON's alleged reputation for unpredictable broadcasts.

"AFCON is unreal," one fan posted, while another joked that it was "always about the drama, not the actual game."

Another fan wrote, "These guys displayed the Zimbabwe lineup twice! They didn’t show the Egypt lineup at the start of the game," while a third fan added that the cameraman "had just one job."

The comments continued when another match viewer added that simple broadcast mistakes are a part of "the things that make people undermine African football." Once play began, Egypt found itself in trouble quickly.

Mohamed Salah is hoping to win AFCON for the first time in his career

Zimbabwe opened up scoring at the 20th minute when Prince Dube finished from close range to give the Warriors a 1-0 lead. Egypt dominated possession and created chances, but couldn't find the back of the net.

Omar Marmoush equalized in the 64th minute and brought Egypt into striking distance. In the 91st minute, Mostafa Mohamed flicked on a header, and Salah reacted quickest, guiding a left-footed finish into the bottom corner to complete a dramatic 2–1 comeback.

Mohamed Salah scored the go-ahead goal against Zimbabwe(Image: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

The goal instantly wiped away memories of the earlier broadcast embarrassment. The anthem mistake was already yesterday's news after Salah's strike helped Egypt secure all three points, sitting atop Group B alongside South Africa.

Aside from scoring the winning goal, Salah created three big chances, made six key passes, won five duels, and completed 34 passes. The Egyptian captain also had two successful dribbles, leading fans to write, "Never doubt Mohaed Salah again," online.

The goal kept Salah's streak alive, as he now has scored in five straight AFCON contests. The Egypt captain aims to win the competition after AFCON 2022's loss saw Salah in tears.