Egypt Rest Mohamed Salah as Angola Face Afcon Exit.
The Angolan winger curled a delightful free-kick onto the post as Angola and Egypt played out a draw.
Anfield forward Mohamed Salah and Etihad counterpart Omar Marmoush remained unused substitutes as the group leaders Egypt were held to a draw with Angola at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The seven-time champions, having already secured top spot, deployed an entirely changed starting XI and lacked a clinical finish in Agadir.
Angola, who needed a victory to keep their hopes alive, will now endure an anxious period to see if their solitary draw is enough to qualify for the knockout stage as one of the highest-ranked third-place teams.
Several other nations are already guaranteed at least third place in their respective groups, all boasting three points.
Game Key Moments
Winger Fredy struck the outside of a post for Angola early in the second half, while Zizo – one of three players introduced by the Pharaohs – tested goalkeeper Hugo Marques' fingertips with a effort from inside the box.
Salah and Marmoush had previously found the net in victories over Zimbabwe and South Africa, respectively.
Egypt will stay in Agadir to meet a third-placed team next Monday, with their next rival to be determined after the preliminary round concludes on Wednesday.
In the simultaneous Group B finale, South Africa's victory over Zimbabwe sent Bafana Bafana into the next round, leaving Angola on the outside looking in.
Pharaohs Feel Star Power Absence
The Liverpool star observed Egypt draw a blank in an Afcon match for the first time since the 2021 tournament decider.
With first place wrapped up, Egypt coach Hossam Hassan might have hoped for a more impressive attacking performance from his second string.
Mostafa Mohamed, who scored four goals at the 2023 finals, created an early chance for Hossam Abdelmaguid, but the defender directed his header wide of the target.
Angola, having made multiple rotations themselves, almost went ahead when Chico Banza linked up with Mabululu before firing a low drive past the post.
The first half passed without a shot on target, although Fredy caused goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir into a save with a thunderous long-range strike.
The Angolan captain was the likeliest source, watching a set-piece elude the goalkeeper but crash against the woodwork.
At the other end, Salah Mohsen was stunned after almost tapping in a cross, only for the goal to be ruled offside.
Late efforts from M'Bala Nzola and Hamdi Fathy failed to break the deadlock, leaving the match ended scoreless.
For Angola, quarter-finalists in 2023, their inconsistent showings in Morocco will raise questions about their mid-tournament managerial change.
