The Pharaohs Bench Mohamed Salah as The Palancas Negras Face Afcon Exit.

Anfield star Mohamed Salah and Etihad counterpart Omar Marmoush watched from the bench as Group B winners Egypt played out a draw with Angola at the Afcon 2025.

The seven-time champions, having clinched top spot, fielded an completely rotated 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 two points is enough 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 boasting three points.

Match Highlights

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

Salah and Marmoush had previously found the net in comeback wins over Zimbabwe and South Africa, in turn.

Egypt will remain in Agadir to meet a third-placed team next Monday, with their opponents to be confirmed after the preliminary round finishes on Wednesday.

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

Egypt Feel Salah and Marmoush Presence

With top spot secured, Egypt coach Hossam Hassan might have hoped for a more impressive attacking performance from his rotated side.

The striker, who netted four goals at the previous tournament, created an early chance for Hossam Abdelmaguid, but the defender looped his header wide of the target.

Angola, making multiple rotations themselves, nearly went ahead when Chico Banza linked up with Mabululu before dragging a shot wide.

The first half passed without a shot on target, though Fredy caused goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir into a save with a thunderous long-range strike.

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

At the other end, Salah Mohsen was stunned after nearly prodding in a cross, only for the move to be ruled offside.

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

For Angola, quarter-finalists in 2023, their inconsistent showings in Morocco will lead to scrutiny about their mid-tournament managerial change.