The Pharaohs Rest Salah as The Palancas Negras on Brink of Afcon Exit.

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah and Manchester City counterpart Omar Marmoush watched from the bench as the group leaders Egypt played out a stalemate with Angola at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The seven-time champions, having clinched top spot, fielded an completely rotated starting XI and lacked a clinical finish in Agadir.

Angola, who needed a victory to keep their hopes alive, will now face a nervous wait to see if their solitary draw is enough to advance for the knockout stage as one of the four best-placed third-place teams.

Benin, Sudan and Mozambique are already guaranteed at least third place in their pools, all having three points.

Match Highlights

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

Salah and Marmoush had scored earlier in the tournament in comeback wins over Zimbabwe and South Africa, in turn.

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

In the other Group B closer, South Africa's victory over Zimbabwe propelled Bafana Bafana through automatically, leaving Angola in a precarious position.

Pharaohs Miss Salah and Marmoush Presence

With top spot secured, Egypt coach Hossam Hassan likely expected a more convincing attacking performance from his second string.

The striker, who scored four goals at the previous tournament, set up an early chance for Hossam Abdelmaguid, but the defender directed his header over the target.

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

The first half passed without a shot on target, though Fredy caused goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir into action with a powerful long-range attempt.

The Palancas Negras skipper remained the likeliest source, watching a set-piece 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 move to be ruled offside.

Late attempts from M'Bala Nzola and Hamdi Fathy could not break the deadlock, ensuring the match finished goalless.

For Angola, quarter-finalists in 2023, their disjointed showings in Morocco will raise questions about their mid-tournament coaching decision.