Egypt rested key players including Mohamed Salah during a 0-0 draw with Angola, securing their position as Group B winners while leaving Angola’s tournament hopes in jeopardy.
Egypt concluded their Group B campaign with a 0-0 draw against Angola on Monday, opting to rest star forwards Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush.
Having already secured the top spot in the group, the seven-time champions fielded a completely different starting XI.
Despite the changes, the Pharaohs maintained their unbeaten record in Agadir, though they lacked the clinical edge seen in their previous victories over Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Angola, needing a win to guarantee progression, came closest to breaking the deadlock early in the second half. Winger Fredy “curled a delightful free-kick against the woodwork,” striking the outside of the post.
Egypt responded by introducing three substitutes at halftime, including Zizo, whose powerful shot forced a sharp save from goalkeeper Hugo Marques.
Ultimately, neither side could find a breakthrough, leaving the Palancas Negras with just two points from three matches.
The result leaves Angola on the brink of elimination, as they must now wait for other group results to see if they rank among the four best third-placed teams.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s victory over Zimbabwe confirmed them as runners-up, four points clear of Angola.
Egypt will remain in Agadir to prepare for their last-16 fixture next Monday, where they will face a third-placed opponent from Group A, C, or D.