Egypt Rest Salah as Angola Face Elimination from AFCON.

Anfield star Mohamed Salah and Etihad striker 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 cutting edge in Agadir.

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 qualify 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.

Match Key Moments

Winger Fredy rattled the woodwork for Angola shortly after the second half, while Zizo – 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 comeback wins over Zimbabwe and South Africa, respectively.

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

In the other Group B finale, South Africa's victory over Zimbabwe sent Bafana Bafana into the next round, putting Angola on the outside looking in.

Egypt Feel Star Power Absence

With first place wrapped up, Egypt coach Hossam Hassan likely expected a more impressive display from his rotated side.

Mostafa Mohamed, who scored four goals at the 2023 finals, created an first-half chance for Hossam Abdelmaguid, but the centre-back looped his header over the target.

Angola, making seven changes themselves, nearly went ahead when Chico Banza combined with Mabululu before dragging a low drive past the post.

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

The Angolan captain was the most dangerous threat, watching a set-piece beat the goalkeeper but crash against the crossbar.

At the other end, Salah Mohsen was left in disbelief 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, ensuring the match finished goalless.

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