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Saturday, October 10, 2026
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Egypt Rest Salah as Angola Face Elimination from AFCON.

A thrilling set-piece moment from the match.

The Angolan winger delivered a superb set-piece against the woodwork as the two sides shared a stalemate.

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah and Etihad striker Omar Marmoush watched from the bench as the group leaders Egypt played out a draw with Angola at the Afcon 2025.

The seven-time champions, having clinched top spot, fielded an entirely changed starting XI and lacked a cutting edge in Agadir.

Angola, who required a victory to keep their hopes alive, will now face a nervous wait to see if their solitary draw is enough to advance 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 boasting three points.

Match Highlights

Attacker Fredy struck the outside of a post for Angola early in the second half, while Zizo – one of three players introduced by the Pharaohs – stung goalkeeper Hugo Marques' palms with a effort from inside the box.

Salah and Marmoush had scored earlier in the tournament in victories over Zimbabwe and South Africa, respectively.

Egypt will stay in Agadir to face a runner-up from another group 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 into the next round, putting Angola in a precarious position.

Egypt Miss Salah and Marmoush Presence

The Egyptian captain observing the match from the sidelines.

Mohamed Salah watched Egypt fail to score in an Afcon match for the first occasion since the 2021 final.

With top spot secured, Egypt coach Hossam Hassan might have hoped for a more convincing attacking performance from his second string.

The striker, who scored four goals at the 2023 finals, created an first-half chance for Hossam Abdelmaguid, but the centre-back looped his header wide of the target.

Angola, having made multiple rotations themselves, nearly went ahead when Chico Banza combined with Mabululu before firing a shot wide.

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

The Palancas Negras skipper was the most dangerous source, watching a free-kick elude the goalkeeper but crash against the woodwork.

At the other end, Salah Mohsen was stunned 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, leaving the match ended goalless.

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

About the author

Larry Brown DDS

Elara is a digital storyteller and community advocate who explores human experiences through writing and multimedia projects.

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