The Pharaohs Bench Mohamed Salah as The Palancas Negras on Brink of Afcon Exit.

A thrilling free-kick moment from the match.

Fredy delivered a superb set-piece against the woodwork as the two sides played out a draw.

Anfield forward Mohamed Salah and Etihad striker Omar Marmoush remained unused substitutes as the group leaders Egypt played out a draw with Angola at the Afcon 2025.

The seven-time champions, having already secured top spot, deployed an completely rotated starting XI and lacked a cutting edge in Agadir.

Angola, who required a victory to stand a chance of progressing, will now face a nervous wait to see if their two points is enough to advance for the last 16 as one of the highest-ranked third-place teams.

Several other nations are already guaranteed at least third place in their pools, all having three points.

Match Key Moments

Winger Fredy rattled the outside of a post for Angola early in the second half, while Zizo – one of three players introduced by the Pharaohs – stung goalkeeper Hugo Marques' palms with a shot from inside the box.

Salah and Marmoush had scored earlier in the tournament in comeback wins over Zimbabwe and South Africa, in turn.

Egypt will stay in Agadir to face a runner-up from another group next Monday, with their next rival to be confirmed after the group stage concludes on Wednesday.

In the simultaneous Group B finale, South Africa's 3-2 win over Zimbabwe propelled Bafana Bafana through automatically, putting Angola in a precarious position.

Egypt Feel Star Power Absence

Mohamed Salah watching the match from the sidelines.

The Liverpool star watched Egypt draw a blank in an Afcon match for the first occasion since the 2021 tournament decider.

With first place secured, Egypt coach Hossam Hassan might have hoped for a more impressive attacking performance from his second string.

The striker, who netted four goals at the 2023 finals, set up an early chance for Hossam Abdelmaguid, but the defender looped his header over the target.

Angola, making seven changes themselves, nearly went ahead when Chico Banza linked up with Mabululu before firing a low drive past the post.

The first half ended without a shot on target, although Fredy forced goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir into a save with a powerful long-range strike.

The Palancas Negras skipper remained the most dangerous source, seeing a free-kick beat the goalkeeper but clatter against the crossbar.

At the other end, Salah Mohsen was stunned after nearly prodding in a cross, only for the goal to be ruled offside.

Late efforts from M'Bala Nzola and Hamdi Fathy failed to break the deadlock, ensuring the match finished scoreless.

For Angola, quarter-finalists in 2023, their disjointed performances in Morocco will raise questions about their recent coaching decision.

Ashley Morris
Ashley Morris

Elara is a seasoned slot enthusiast and writer, passionate about uncovering hidden gems in the gaming world and sharing actionable advice.