AFCON Preview: Egypt look to maintain perfection in Group B finale vs Angola

Already-qualified Egypt aim to secure a perfect Group B record on Monday against a desperate Angola side that must win to have any hope of reaching the AFCON knockout stages.

Egypt and Angola are set to conclude their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Group B campaigns at the Stade Adrar this Monday.

The Pharaohs have already secured their place in the Round of 16 after winning their first two fixtures, including a 1-0 victory over South Africa.

Led by Mohamed Salah, who scored the winner in both previous matches, Egypt aim to finish the group stage with a perfect record while managing the fitness of key starters ahead of the knockout rounds.

In contrast, Angola enter the final matchday in a desperate position, having secured only one point from their opening two games.

Following a quarter-final run in the previous edition, “Los Palancas Negras” currently sit at the bottom of the table after a loss to South Africa and a draw with Zimbabwe.

To avoid a premature exit, Angola must secure a historic victory over the seven-time champions, a feat they have failed to achieve in their last seven head-to-head meetings.

Tactical adjustments are expected on both sides, with Egypt forced to replace defender Mohamed Hany following his red card in the previous match.

Coach Hossam Hassan may “introduce new faces” to rotate the squad, though Mohamed Salah remains in contention for the Golden Boot.

Angola will rely on Gelson Dala, who recently moved into third on his nation’s all-time scoring list, to spearhead an attack that needs to find its clinical edge against a disciplined Egyptian defense.

The historical data heavily favors the Pharaohs, who are unbeaten in this fixture for over four years.

While Egypt can afford to “take their foot off the gas,” they remain motivated to secure first place in the group to ensure a theoretically easier path in the next round.

For Angola, the stakes could not be higher; even a win may require results elsewhere to go their way, but anything less will confirm their fourth group-stage exit in five tournaments.