Egypt Bench Mohamed Salah as Angola on Brink of Elimination from AFCON.
The Angolan winger curled a delightful free-kick against the woodwork as the two sides played out a draw.
Anfield star Mohamed Salah and Etihad counterpart Omar Marmoush watched from the bench as Group B winners Egypt played out 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 cutting edge in Agadir.
Angola, who required a victory to keep their hopes alive, will now face a nervous wait to see if their two points is sufficient to qualify for the knockout stage as one of the four best-placed third-place teams.
Several other nations are assured of at least third place in their respective groups, all having three points.
Game Key Moments
Winger Fredy struck the woodwork for Angola early in the second half, while Egypt's substitute – one of three halftime changes by the Pharaohs – stung goalkeeper Hugo Marques' fingertips 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 preliminary round finishes on Wednesday.
In the other Group B finale, South Africa's victory over Zimbabwe sent Bafana Bafana through automatically, putting Angola in a precarious position.
Egypt Miss Salah and Marmoush Presence
Mohamed Salah observed Egypt draw a blank in an Afcon match for the first time since the 2021 final.
With top spot wrapped up, Egypt coach Hossam Hassan might have hoped for a more convincing display from his second string.
The striker, who netted four goals at the previous tournament, created an early chance for Hossam Abdelmaguid, but the defender looped his header wide of the target.
Angola, making multiple rotations themselves, nearly went ahead when Chico Banza combined with Mabululu before dragging a shot past the post.
The first half ended without a single effort on target, although Fredy caused goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir into action with a powerful long-range attempt.
The Angolan captain remained the likeliest source, seeing a free-kick 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 ended goalless.
For Angola, last-eight participants in 2023, their disjointed showings in Morocco will raise questions about their recent coaching decision.
