Egypt Bench Mohamed Salah as The Palancas Negras on Brink of Elimination from AFCON.

Anfield forward Mohamed Salah and Etihad counterpart Omar Marmoush remained unused substitutes as the group leaders Egypt were held to a draw 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 the Moroccan city.

Angola, who required a victory to stand a chance of progressing, will now endure an anxious period to see if their two points is sufficient to advance for the last 16 as one of the highest-ranked third-place teams.

Several other nations are assured of at least third place in their pools, all boasting three points.

Game Highlights

Winger Fredy struck the woodwork for Angola shortly after the second half, while Egypt's substitute – one of three players introduced 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, respectively.

Egypt will stay in Agadir to meet a third-placed team next Monday, with their opponents to be determined after the preliminary round concludes on Wednesday.

In the simultaneous Group B closer, South Africa's 3-2 win over Zimbabwe sent Bafana Bafana into the next round, leaving Angola on the outside looking in.

Egypt Miss Star Power Absence

With first place secured, Egypt coach Hossam Hassan likely expected a more convincing display from his rotated side.

Mostafa Mohamed, who scored four goals at the previous tournament, created an first-half chance for Hossam Abdelmaguid, but the defender directed his header over the target.

Angola, making multiple rotations themselves, nearly went ahead when Chico Banza linked up with Mabululu before dragging a low drive past the post.

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 Angolan captain was the likeliest source, watching a free-kick beat the goalkeeper but clatter against the woodwork.

At the other end, Salah Mohsen was stunned after nearly tapping 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, leaving the match finished goalless.

For Angola, last-eight participants in 2023, their disjointed showings in Morocco will lead to scrutiny about their recent coaching decision.