Egypt Bench Salah as Angola on Brink of Elimination from AFCON.
The Angolan winger curled a superb set-piece against the post as the two sides shared a stalemate.
Liverpool star Mohamed Salah and Etihad counterpart Omar Marmoush remained unused substitutes as the group leaders Egypt were held to a draw with Angola at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The record winners, having clinched top spot, fielded an completely rotated starting XI and were missing a clinical finish in Agadir.
Angola, who required a victory to stand a chance of progressing, will now face a nervous wait 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.
Game Highlights
Attacker Fredy rattled the outside of a post for Angola shortly after the second half, while Egypt's substitute – one of three players introduced by the Pharaohs – tested goalkeeper Hugo Marques' palms with a effort from inside the box.
Salah and Marmoush had scored earlier in the tournament in comeback wins over Zimbabwe and South Africa, respectively.
Egypt will stay in Agadir to face a runner-up from another group next Monday, with their next rival to be confirmed after the preliminary round concludes on Wednesday.
In the other Group B finale, South Africa's 3-2 win over Zimbabwe sent Bafana Bafana through automatically, leaving Angola on the outside looking in.
Egypt Feel Star Power Absence
The Liverpool star observed Egypt fail to score in an Afcon match for the first occasion since the 2021 final.
With top spot wrapped up, Egypt coach Hossam Hassan likely expected a more impressive attacking performance from his second string.
Mostafa Mohamed, who scored four goals at the 2023 finals, set up an first-half chance for Hossam Abdelmaguid, but the defender looped his header over the target.
Angola, making seven changes themselves, nearly went ahead when Chico Banza combined with Mabululu before firing a shot past the post.
The first half passed without a single effort on target, though Fredy caused goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir into action with a thunderous long-range strike.
The Palancas Negras skipper remained the likeliest source, watching a set-piece elude the goalkeeper but crash against the woodwork.
At the other end, Salah Mohsen was left in disbelief after nearly tapping in a cross, only for the move to be flagged offside.
Late attempts from M'Bala Nzola and Hamdi Fathy could not break the deadlock, ensuring the match finished scoreless.
For Angola, quarter-finalists in 2023, their disjointed showings in Morocco will lead to scrutiny about their recent coaching decision.
