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

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

The seven-time champions, having already secured 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 two points is enough to qualify for the knockout stage 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.

Game Key Moments

Winger Fredy rattled the woodwork for Angola shortly after the second half, while Egypt's substitute – one of three players introduced 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 stay in Agadir to face a third-placed team next Monday, with their opponents to be determined after the preliminary round concludes on Wednesday.

In the other Group B closer, South Africa's 3-2 win over Zimbabwe propelled Bafana Bafana into the next round, leaving Angola on the outside looking in.

Pharaohs Feel Salah and Marmoush Absence

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

Mostafa Mohamed, who scored four goals at the previous tournament, set up an first-half chance for Hossam Abdelmaguid, but the defender directed his header over the target.

Angola, making multiple rotations themselves, almost went ahead when Chico Banza combined with Mabululu before firing a shot past the post.

The first half passed without a single effort on target, although Fredy caused goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir into action with a powerful long-range strike.

The Palancas Negras skipper was the most dangerous threat, watching a free-kick beat the goalkeeper but clatter against the woodwork.

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

Late efforts from M'Bala Nzola and Hamdi Fathy failed to break the deadlock, leaving the match finished goalless.

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