AFCON: Angola’s hopes on a thread after draw against Egypt’s reserves

Angola’s tournament lives are in the balance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after the Palancas Negras and Egypt played to a 0-0 draw to complete Group B action on Monday in Morocco.

With top spot secured in the group, the North Africans left stars Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush out in a reserve-heavy side. Needing a victory to have any chance of advancing, Angola had a lot more to play for.

But with everything to play for, the Lusophone side was largely matched by Egypt’s reserves despite the occasion. They did look a bit more dangerous towards the end of the first half with Chico Banza shooting wide after a well played combination with Mabululu. Angola captain Fredy then hit the post with his free kick a couple minutes later.

The Pharaohs made three halftime substitutions but the match remained even with opportunities for both sides. Palancas Negras substitute forward M’Bala Nzola had the best chance to break the deadlock but fired wide after getting in on the right wing. A desperate push at the end was not enough for Angola and the full time whistle arrived without a winner.

Record AFCON winners Egypt will await their Round of 16 clash on January 5. The Pharaohs will face one of the third place finishers from Group A, C or D.

The Palancas Negras, on two points after finishing third, will need to hope results go their way to advance as one of the best third place teams, and will need Morocco to defeat Zambia by at least two goals when Group A finishes up later on Monday or they are officially eliminated. If Zambia lose by multiple goals, Angola will then need Uganda and Tanzania each to lose their final matches when Group C finishes on Tuesday.

⚽ Follow Pan-Africa Football across platforms for real-time news and stories.