The Pharaohs Rest Salah as Angola on Brink of Elimination from AFCON.

Anfield star 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 record winners, having already secured top spot, deployed an entirely changed starting XI and lacked a cutting edge in the Moroccan city.

Angola, who required a victory to keep their hopes alive, will now endure an anxious period to see if their solitary draw is sufficient to qualify for the knockout stage 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.

Match Highlights

Attacker Fredy struck the outside of a post 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 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 confirmed after the group stage finishes on Wednesday.

In the other Group B finale, South Africa's 3-2 win over Zimbabwe sent Bafana Bafana through automatically, leaving Angola in a precarious position.

Egypt Miss Salah and Marmoush Absence

With first place secured, Egypt coach Hossam Hassan likely expected a more impressive display 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 wide of the target.

Angola, having made seven changes themselves, nearly went ahead when Chico Banza combined with Mabululu before dragging a shot past the post.

The first half ended without a shot on target, although Fredy forced goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir into a save with a powerful long-range attempt.

The Angolan captain was the likeliest source, watching a set-piece beat the goalkeeper but crash against the crossbar.

At the other end, Salah Mohsen was left in disbelief after almost prodding in a cross, only for the goal to be ruled offside.

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

For Angola, last-eight participants in 2023, their inconsistent showings in Morocco will lead to scrutiny about their mid-tournament coaching decision.