Egypt Rest Salah as Angola Face Afcon Exit.
The Angolan winger delivered a superb set-piece against the woodwork as the two sides played out a draw.
Anfield star Mohamed Salah and Manchester City striker Omar Marmoush watched from the bench as Group B winners Egypt were held to a draw with Angola at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The seven-time champions, having clinched top spot, deployed an entirely changed starting XI and lacked a cutting edge in Agadir.
Angola, who required a victory to stand a chance of progressing, will now endure an anxious period to see if their solitary draw is sufficient to advance for the knockout stage as one of the four best-placed third-place teams.
Benin, Sudan and Mozambique are already guaranteed at least third place in their respective groups, all boasting three points.
Game Key Moments
Attacker Fredy rattled the outside of a post for Angola shortly after the second half, while Zizo – one of three halftime changes by the Pharaohs – stung goalkeeper Hugo Marques' fingertips with a effort 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 meet a runner-up from another group next Monday, with their next rival to be determined after the preliminary round finishes on Wednesday.
In the simultaneous Group B finale, South Africa's 3-2 win over Zimbabwe propelled Bafana Bafana through automatically, leaving Angola in a precarious position.
Egypt Feel Star Power Presence
The Liverpool star observed Egypt draw a blank in an Afcon match for the first occasion since the 2021 tournament decider.
With first place wrapped up, Egypt coach Hossam Hassan might have hoped for a more convincing attacking performance from his second string.
The striker, who netted four goals at the previous tournament, set up an first-half chance for Hossam Abdelmaguid, but the centre-back directed his header over the target.
Angola, making multiple rotations themselves, nearly went ahead when Chico Banza combined with Mabululu before dragging a shot wide.
The first half passed without a single effort on target, though Fredy caused goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir into a save with a powerful long-range attempt.
The Palancas Negras skipper remained the likeliest source, watching a free-kick beat the goalkeeper but crash against the crossbar.
At the other end, Salah Mohsen was stunned after nearly tapping in a cross, only for the move to be ruled offside.
Late attempts from M'Bala Nzola and Hamdi Fathy failed to break the deadlock, ensuring the match finished goalless.
For Angola, quarter-finalists in 2023, their inconsistent showings in Morocco will raise questions about their mid-tournament managerial change.
