The Pharaohs Rest Salah as Angola on Brink of Afcon Exit.
The Angolan winger delivered a delightful free-kick onto the woodwork as Angola and Egypt shared a stalemate.
Anfield star Mohamed Salah and Manchester City counterpart Omar Marmoush watched from the bench as the group leaders Egypt played out a draw with Angola at the Afcon 2025.
The seven-time champions, having clinched top spot, fielded an entirely changed starting XI and were missing a cutting edge in Agadir.
Angola, who required a victory to keep their hopes alive, will now endure an anxious period to see if their solitary draw is sufficient to qualify for the last 16 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 having three points.
Match Key Moments
Attacker Fredy rattled the woodwork for Angola shortly after the second half, while Zizo – one of three halftime changes by the Pharaohs – tested goalkeeper Hugo Marques' palms with a shot from inside the box.
Salah and Marmoush had previously found the net in comeback wins over Zimbabwe and South Africa, in turn.
Egypt will remain in Agadir to face a third-placed team next Monday, with their opponents to be confirmed after the preliminary round finishes on Wednesday.
In the simultaneous Group B finale, South Africa's victory over Zimbabwe propelled Bafana Bafana into the next round, leaving Angola in a precarious position.
Egypt Feel Salah and Marmoush Absence
The Liverpool star observed Egypt fail to score in an Afcon match for the first occasion since the 2021 final.
With top spot secured, Egypt coach Hossam Hassan likely expected a more impressive display from his second string.
Mostafa Mohamed, who netted four goals at the 2023 finals, created an first-half chance for Hossam Abdelmaguid, but the defender directed his header over the target.
Angola, making seven changes themselves, almost went ahead when Chico Banza combined with Mabululu before dragging a low drive wide.
The first half ended without a single effort on target, though Fredy caused goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir into a save with a thunderous long-range strike.
The Palancas Negras skipper was the most dangerous threat, seeing a set-piece beat the goalkeeper but crash against the woodwork.
At the other end, Salah Mohsen was left in disbelief after nearly prodding in a cross, only for the move to be flagged offside.
Late attempts from M'Bala Nzola and Hamdi Fathy could not break the deadlock, ensuring the match finished scoreless.
For Angola, quarter-finalists in 2023, their inconsistent performances in Morocco will lead to scrutiny about their recent coaching decision.
