Egypt Rest Mohamed Salah as Angola Face Afcon Exit.
The Angolan winger delivered a superb set-piece against the woodwork as the two sides shared a stalemate.
Anfield forward Mohamed Salah and Etihad counterpart Omar Marmoush watched from the bench as the group leaders Egypt were held to a stalemate with Angola at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The seven-time champions, having already secured top spot, deployed an entirely changed starting XI and lacked a clinical finish in Agadir.
Angola, who needed a victory to keep their hopes alive, will now face a nervous wait to see if their solitary draw is enough to advance for the knockout stage as one of the highest-ranked third-place teams.
Several other nations are already guaranteed at least third place in their respective groups, all having three points.
Match Highlights
Attacker Fredy struck the woodwork for Angola shortly after the second half, while Zizo – one of three halftime changes by the Pharaohs – stung goalkeeper Hugo Marques' palms with a effort from inside the box.
Salah and Marmoush had previously found the net in victories over Zimbabwe and South Africa, in turn.
Egypt will remain in Agadir to face a runner-up from another group next Monday, with their next rival to be determined after the group stage finishes on Wednesday.
In the simultaneous Group B finale, South Africa's 3-2 win over Zimbabwe propelled Bafana Bafana into the next round, leaving Angola in a precarious position.
Pharaohs Feel Salah and Marmoush Absence
Mohamed Salah watched Egypt fail to score in an Afcon match for the first occasion since the 2021 final.
With top spot wrapped up, Egypt coach Hossam Hassan might have hoped for a more convincing display from his rotated side.
Mostafa Mohamed, who scored four goals at the 2023 finals, created an early chance for Hossam Abdelmaguid, but the defender looped his header wide of the target.
Angola, having made multiple rotations themselves, almost went ahead when Chico Banza linked up with Mabululu before firing a shot wide.
The first half ended without a shot on target, though Fredy caused goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir into action with a powerful long-range strike.
The Angolan captain was the likeliest source, seeing a free-kick elude the goalkeeper but clatter against the crossbar.
At the other end, Salah Mohsen was left in disbelief after almost tapping in a cross, only for the move to be flagged 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 inconsistent showings in Morocco will lead to scrutiny about their mid-tournament managerial change.
