The Pharaohs Rest Mohamed Salah as Angola Face Afcon Exit.
The Angolan winger curled a delightful free-kick onto the woodwork as the two sides shared a stalemate.
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah and Etihad counterpart Omar Marmoush watched from the bench as the group leaders Egypt were held to a stalemate 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 cutting edge in Agadir.
Angola, who needed a victory to keep their hopes alive, will now endure an anxious period to see if their two points is enough to qualify for the last 16 as one of the highest-ranked third-place teams.
Benin, Sudan and Mozambique are already guaranteed at least third place in their pools, all having three points.
Match Highlights
Winger Fredy struck the woodwork for Angola shortly after the second half, while Zizo – one of three players introduced 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, in turn.
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 other Group B closer, South Africa's 3-2 win over Zimbabwe propelled Bafana Bafana through automatically, putting Angola in a precarious position.
Pharaohs Feel Salah and Marmoush Absence
The Liverpool star observed Egypt fail to score in an Afcon match for the first time since the 2021 tournament decider.
With top spot wrapped up, Egypt coach Hossam Hassan likely expected a more convincing display from his rotated side.
Mostafa Mohamed, who scored four goals at the 2023 finals, created an early chance for Hossam Abdelmaguid, but the centre-back looped his header wide of the target.
Angola, having made seven changes themselves, nearly went ahead when Chico Banza linked up with Mabululu before firing a shot past the post.
The first half ended without a single effort on target, though Fredy forced goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir into a save with a powerful long-range attempt.
The Angolan captain remained the likeliest threat, seeing a free-kick beat the goalkeeper but crash against the woodwork.
At the other end, Salah Mohsen was left in disbelief after almost prodding in a cross, only for the goal to be flagged offside.
Late efforts from M'Bala Nzola and Hamdi Fathy failed to break the deadlock, ensuring the match finished scoreless.
For Angola, quarter-finalists in 2023, their inconsistent performances in Morocco will raise questions about their recent managerial change.
