Egypt Bench Mohamed Salah as Angola Face Afcon Exit.

Liverpool 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 Afcon 2025.

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

Angola, who needed a victory to stand a chance of progressing, will now endure an anxious period to see if their solitary draw is sufficient to advance for the last 16 as one of the highest-ranked third-place teams.

Several other nations are assured of at least third place in their respective groups, all boasting three points.

Match Key Moments

Winger Fredy struck the outside of a post for Angola shortly after the second half, while Zizo – one of three halftime changes by the Pharaohs – tested goalkeeper Hugo Marques' fingertips with a shot 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 meet a third-placed team next Monday, with their next rival to be determined after the preliminary round finishes 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.

Egypt Feel Star Power Absence

With top spot secured, Egypt coach Hossam Hassan might have hoped for a more impressive display from his second string.

Mostafa Mohamed, 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, almost went ahead when Chico Banza combined with Mabululu before firing a shot wide.

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

The Angolan captain was the most dangerous source, watching a free-kick elude the goalkeeper but crash against the woodwork.

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

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