Egypt Rest Salah as Angola on Brink of Afcon Exit.
The Angolan winger curled a delightful free-kick against the woodwork as the two sides shared a stalemate.
Anfield forward Mohamed Salah and Manchester City counterpart Omar Marmoush watched from the bench as Group B winners Egypt played out a draw with Angola at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The seven-time champions, having clinched top spot, fielded an entirely changed starting XI and were missing a cutting edge in Agadir.
Angola, who needed a victory to keep their hopes alive, will now endure an anxious period to see if their solitary draw is sufficient to advance for the last 16 as one of the four best-placed third-place teams.
Several other nations are already guaranteed at least third place in their pools, all boasting three points.
Game 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' 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 remain in Agadir to meet a third-placed team next Monday, with their opponents to be determined after the group stage concludes on Wednesday.
In the simultaneous Group B closer, South Africa's victory over Zimbabwe propelled Bafana Bafana into the next round, leaving Angola on the outside looking in.
Pharaohs Feel Salah and Marmoush Absence
The Liverpool star observed Egypt fail to score in an Afcon match for the first occasion since the 2021 tournament decider.
With top spot secured, Egypt coach Hossam Hassan might have hoped for 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 centre-back looped his header over the target.
Angola, making multiple rotations themselves, nearly went ahead when Chico Banza linked up with Mabululu before dragging a shot wide.
The first half ended without a single effort on target, although Fredy caused goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir into action with a thunderous long-range attempt.
The Angolan captain remained the most dangerous threat, seeing a free-kick beat the goalkeeper but crash against the woodwork.
At the other end, Salah Mohsen was stunned after almost 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, leaving the match finished goalless.
For Angola, quarter-finalists in 2023, their inconsistent showings in Morocco will lead to scrutiny about their recent coaching decision.
