EGYPT TOP GROUP B WITH ANGOLA CLOSE TO ELIMINATION AFTER DRAB DRAW
Angola’s hopes of qualification to the knockout stages of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations are hanging by a thread after a drab 0-0 draw with Egypt in Agadir.
The point was enough to finish third in Group C, but, with just two points, they will need several results to go their way to qualify as one of the four best third-placed sides.
Egypt rotated their entire team and were happy to play out a drama-free draw, with top spot already secured.
Angola showed more impetus in the first half, but did not create any clear-cut chances, coming closest when Chico Banza curled wide after a slick one-two with Mabululu.
Egypt lacked cohesion with their second-string team, most evident when Angola created a flurry of chances at the start of the second half.
Banza was unfortunate not to get a penalty after getting kicked in the shin by Ahmed Eid, before he hit the post with a free-kick minutes later.
Egypt brought on Zizo to add some quality to their attack and he posed a threat on the counter while Premier League stars Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush watched on as unused subs.
Zizo came closest when he found space inside the box, but as he lined up a shot, Rui Modesto came sliding back to deny him.
Angola huffed and puffed, but could not find a way past Mostafa Shobeir in goal, as the match finished goalless.
Elsewhere in Group C, South Africa beat Zimbabwe 3-2 to secure second place behind Egypt.
At full-time, Angola were left as the fifth best third-placed side, behind Group A’s Zambia on goal difference and ahead of Group C’s Tanzania by one point. The results in Group A and Group C will therefore determine their fate.
