Egypt players during the 0-0 draw against Angola in AFCON 2025. Photo: EFA's official Facebook account.
Egypt completed a perfect group-stage campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Monday, securing a 0-0 draw against Angola with a heavily rotated starting lineup.
Coach Hossam Hassan made sweeping changes to his side, introducing Khaled Sobhi, Ahmed Eid, and Mohamed Ismail, alongside Salah Mohsen, Ibrahim Adel, and Mahmoud Saber.
The Pharaohs had already guaranteed a place in the round of 16 after back-to-back wins, defeating Zimbabwe 2-1 and edging South Africa 1-0.
They top Group B with seven points, one ahead of second-placed South Africa, who defeated Zimbabwe 3-2 on Monday. Angola finished third with two points, while Zimbabwe sit bottom with one.
Despite the absence of their regular starters, Egypt applied early pressure on Angola’s defense but struggled to create clear chances.
Angola produced the first real threat in the 11th minute when Chico Banza sent a low cross from the left wing, only for Modesto to divert it wide.
Two minutes before halftime, Banza fired a low strike from just outside the box that narrowly missed the right post.
Hassan responded at the start of the second half by bringing on his usual starters Ahmed Sayed ‘Zizo’ and Yasser Ibrahim, alongside Mostafa Fathi.
Angola came close to taking the lead in the 52nd minute when Fredy Ribeiro unleashed a brilliant free-kick from outside the box, which rattled the left post.
Mabululu also tested Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobier, who made a superb save to keep the score level.
Substitute Zizo had one of Egypt’s best chances but failed to control a perfect pass from Adel, missing a golden opportunity inside the area.
Angola continued to press in stoppage time, but Egypt’s defense held firm to secure a goalless draw.
Egypt will now begin their round of 16 campaign on Monday against one of the best third-placed teams from the other groups.
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