The Pharaohs Rest Salah as The Palancas Negras Face Afcon Exit.

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah and Manchester City striker Omar Marmoush watched from the bench as the group leaders Egypt were held to a draw with Angola at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The record winners, having already secured top spot, fielded an completely rotated starting XI and lacked a cutting edge in the Moroccan city.

Angola, who needed a victory to stand a chance of progressing, will now face a nervous wait to see if their solitary draw is sufficient to advance for the knockout stage as one of the highest-ranked third-place teams.

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

Match Highlights

Winger Fredy rattled the outside of a post for Angola shortly after the second half, while Egypt's substitute – one of three players introduced by the Pharaohs – tested goalkeeper Hugo Marques' palms with a shot from inside the box.

Salah and Marmoush had scored earlier in the tournament in victories over Zimbabwe and South Africa, respectively.

Egypt will remain in Agadir to meet a runner-up from another group next Monday, with their opponents to be determined after the group stage finishes on Wednesday.

In the other 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 Presence

With top spot secured, Egypt coach Hossam Hassan might have hoped for a more convincing attacking performance from his second string.

The striker, who scored four goals at the previous tournament, created an first-half chance for Hossam Abdelmaguid, but the centre-back directed his header over the target.

Angola, having made 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 shot on target, although Fredy caused goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir into a save with a powerful long-range strike.

The Angolan captain was 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 almost prodding in a cross, only for the goal to be ruled offside.

Late efforts from M'Bala Nzola and Hamdi Fathy could not break the deadlock, leaving the match ended goalless.

For Angola, last-eight participants in 2023, their inconsistent performances in Morocco will raise questions about their recent coaching decision.