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

Anfield forward Mohamed Salah and Manchester City striker Omar Marmoush watched from the bench as Group B winners 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 cutting edge in Agadir.

Angola, who required a victory to keep their hopes alive, will now endure an anxious period to see if their two points is sufficient to qualify for the last 16 as one of the four best-placed third-place teams.

Benin, Sudan and Mozambique are assured of at least third place in their respective groups, all having three points.

Match Key Moments

Winger 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' palms with a effort 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 face a runner-up from another group next Monday, with their opponents to be determined after the preliminary round concludes on Wednesday.

In the simultaneous Group B finale, South Africa's victory over Zimbabwe propelled Bafana Bafana into the next round, putting Angola in a precarious position.

Pharaohs Feel Salah and Marmoush Presence

With first place wrapped up, Egypt coach Hossam Hassan might have hoped for a more convincing display from his rotated side.

The striker, who scored four goals at the 2023 finals, set up an early chance for Hossam Abdelmaguid, but the defender looped his header wide of the target.

Angola, having made seven changes themselves, almost went ahead when Chico Banza combined with Mabululu before firing a low drive 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 strike.

The Angolan captain remained the most dangerous source, seeing a set-piece beat 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 finished goalless.

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