Egypt Rest Salah as Angola Face Afcon Exit.

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah and Etihad striker Omar Marmoush watched from the bench as the group leaders Egypt were held to a draw with Angola at the Afcon 2025.

The seven-time champions, having clinched top spot, deployed an entirely changed starting XI and were missing a clinical finish in the Moroccan city.

Angola, who needed a victory to keep their hopes alive, will now face a nervous wait to see if their solitary draw is sufficient to advance 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 pools, 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 players introduced by the Pharaohs – stung 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, in turn.

Egypt will stay in Agadir to face a runner-up from another group next Monday, with their opponents to be determined after the preliminary round concludes on Wednesday.

In the simultaneous Group B closer, South Africa's victory over Zimbabwe sent Bafana Bafana into the next round, leaving Angola in a precarious position.

Egypt Feel Star Power Presence

With top spot wrapped up, Egypt coach Hossam Hassan likely expected a more impressive display from his second string.

The striker, who netted four goals at the previous tournament, set up an first-half chance for Hossam Abdelmaguid, but the defender looped his header wide of the target.

Angola, having made seven changes themselves, almost went ahead when Chico Banza linked up with Mabululu before dragging a shot past the post.

The first half passed without a single effort on target, although Fredy caused goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir into action with a powerful long-range strike.

The Angolan captain remained the likeliest source, seeing a free-kick elude the goalkeeper but crash against the crossbar.

At the other end, Salah Mohsen was left in disbelief after almost tapping 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 finished goalless.

For Angola, last-eight participants in 2023, their inconsistent performances in Morocco will raise questions about their mid-tournament managerial change.