The Pharaohs Bench Salah as The Palancas Negras Face Elimination from AFCON.

Anfield star Mohamed Salah and Etihad counterpart Omar Marmoush remained unused substitutes as Group B winners Egypt were held to a draw with Angola at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The seven-time champions, having already secured top spot, fielded an entirely changed starting XI and were missing a clinical finish in Agadir.

Angola, who needed 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 last 16 as one of the four best-placed third-place teams.

Several other nations are already guaranteed at least third place in their respective groups, all boasting three points.

Match Highlights

Attacker Fredy rattled the woodwork for Angola shortly after the second half, while Egypt's substitute – one of three halftime changes by the Pharaohs – tested goalkeeper Hugo Marques' fingertips with a effort from inside the box.

Salah and Marmoush had previously found the net in comeback wins over Zimbabwe and South Africa, respectively.

Egypt will stay 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 simultaneous Group B closer, South Africa's victory over Zimbabwe propelled Bafana Bafana through automatically, putting Angola in a precarious position.

Pharaohs Feel Star Power Presence

With top spot wrapped up, Egypt coach Hossam Hassan might have hoped for a more impressive display from his second string.

The striker, who netted four goals at the 2023 finals, set up an first-half chance for Hossam Abdelmaguid, but the centre-back directed his header over the target.

Angola, having made seven changes themselves, almost went ahead when Chico Banza combined with Mabululu before firing a shot wide.

The first half passed without a shot on target, although Fredy caused goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir into a save with a thunderous long-range strike.

The Angolan captain remained the most dangerous threat, seeing a free-kick elude the goalkeeper but crash against the woodwork.

At the other end, Salah Mohsen was stunned after nearly prodding in a cross, only for the goal 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 disjointed showings in Morocco will raise questions about their recent coaching decision.