Egypt Bench Salah as Angola on Brink of Elimination from AFCON.
The Angolan winger curled a delightful free-kick against the post as the two sides shared a stalemate.
Anfield star Mohamed Salah and Manchester City 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 clinched 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 last 16 as one of the four best-placed third-place teams.
Benin, Sudan and Mozambique are assured of at least third place in their respective groups, all having three points.
Match Key Moments
Winger Fredy struck the outside of a post for Angola shortly after the second half, while Zizo – one of three players introduced 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 runner-up from another group next Monday, with their opponents to be determined after the preliminary round finishes on Wednesday.
In the simultaneous 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
Mohamed Salah observed Egypt fail to score in an Afcon match for the first time since the 2021 final.
With top spot wrapped up, Egypt coach Hossam Hassan likely expected a more impressive display from his rotated side.
The striker, who scored four goals at the previous tournament, set up an early chance for Hossam Abdelmaguid, but the centre-back looped his header over the target.
Angola, making seven changes themselves, almost went ahead when Chico Banza linked up with Mabululu before dragging a shot wide.
The first half passed without a shot on target, though Fredy caused goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir into a save with a powerful long-range strike.
The Palancas Negras skipper remained the likeliest threat, seeing a free-kick beat the goalkeeper but crash against the woodwork.
At the other end, Salah Mohsen was stunned after nearly prodding in a cross, only for the goal to be ruled offside.
Late attempts from M'Bala Nzola and Hamdi Fathy could not break the deadlock, ensuring the match finished goalless.
For Angola, last-eight participants in 2023, their disjointed showings in Morocco will lead to scrutiny about their recent managerial change.
