The Pharaohs Bench Salah as The Palancas Negras on Brink of Elimination from AFCON.

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah and Etihad counterpart Omar Marmoush watched from the bench as Group B winners Egypt were held to a draw with Angola at the Afcon 2025.

The seven-time champions, having already secured top spot, deployed an entirely changed starting XI and lacked a clinical finish in the Moroccan city.

Angola, who needed a victory to keep their hopes alive, will now face a nervous wait to see if their solitary draw is sufficient to advance for the last 16 as one of the four best-placed third-place teams.

Several other nations are already guaranteed at least third place in their respective groups, all having three points.

Game Highlights

Attacker Fredy struck the woodwork for Angola shortly after the second half, while Zizo – one of three players introduced by the Pharaohs – stung 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, in turn.

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

In the other Group B finale, South Africa's 3-2 win over Zimbabwe sent Bafana Bafana through automatically, putting Angola on the outside looking in.

Pharaohs Miss Salah and Marmoush Absence

With top spot secured, Egypt coach Hossam Hassan likely expected a more impressive attacking performance from his rotated side.

The striker, who scored four goals at the previous tournament, created an early chance for Hossam Abdelmaguid, but the centre-back directed his header over the target.

Angola, making seven changes themselves, almost went ahead when Chico Banza linked up 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 a save with a powerful long-range strike.

The Palancas Negras skipper was the likeliest source, watching a set-piece beat the goalkeeper but clatter against the crossbar.

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

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

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