The Pharaohs Bench Salah as Angola Face Elimination from AFCON.
The Angolan winger curled a delightful free-kick onto the woodwork as Angola and Egypt shared a stalemate.
Liverpool star Mohamed Salah and Etihad counterpart Omar Marmoush watched from the bench as the group leaders Egypt played out a stalemate with Angola at the Afcon 2025.
The record winners, having clinched top spot, fielded an completely rotated starting XI and were missing a cutting edge in the Moroccan city.
Angola, who required a victory to keep their hopes alive, will now face a nervous wait to see if their solitary draw is sufficient 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 having three points.
Game Key Moments
Winger Fredy rattled the woodwork for Angola early in the second half, while Egypt's substitute – one of three halftime changes by the Pharaohs – tested goalkeeper Hugo Marques' fingertips with a effort from inside the box.
Salah and Marmoush had scored earlier in the tournament in comeback wins over Zimbabwe and South Africa, in turn.
Egypt will remain in Agadir to meet a runner-up from another group next Monday, with their next rival 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 through automatically, putting Angola on the outside looking in.
Egypt Miss Salah and Marmoush Presence
Mohamed Salah observed Egypt draw a blank in an Afcon match for the first occasion since the 2021 tournament decider.
With top spot wrapped up, Egypt coach Hossam Hassan likely expected a more convincing attacking performance from his second string.
Mostafa Mohamed, who scored four goals at the previous tournament, created an early chance for Hossam Abdelmaguid, but the defender directed his header over the target.
Angola, having made multiple rotations themselves, almost went ahead when Chico Banza combined with Mabululu before dragging a shot past the post.
The first half ended without a shot on target, though Fredy forced goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir into a save with a thunderous long-range attempt.
The Angolan captain remained the likeliest threat, watching a free-kick beat the goalkeeper but crash against the crossbar.
At the other end, Salah Mohsen was left in disbelief after almost tapping 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, ensuring the match finished goalless.
For Angola, last-eight participants in 2023, their inconsistent performances in Morocco will raise questions about their recent managerial change.
