Egypt did the job they came to do. A controlled 0–0 draw with Angola capped an unbeaten AFCON 2025 Group B campaign, locking up first place with seven points and sending the Pharaohs into the Round of 16 as a seeded team. Angola, brave and bold in a late push, bow out of the tournament.

The match in Agadir’s Adrar Stadium never felt wild, and that seemed to be by design. With qualification already secured, Egypt rotated the squad and rested stars Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush. The goal was clear: stay sharp, avoid injuries, and keep the top spot.

Egypt’s plan: control first, contain later

Egypt approached the first half like a team that knew the table. They were tidy in possession, strong on set pieces, and smart in their pressing. Without Salah and Marmoush, they leaned on structure. Corners and free-kicks brought the best looks, and Angola spent long stretches in their own half.

This was not a frantic chase for goals. It was calm football with a purpose. Egypt managed risk, picked their moments, and made sure the game moved at their pace.

“No Salah, no panic. That’s what top teams look like.”

Angola’s push after halftime changes the picture

Angola came out after the break with more bite. They needed a result to stay alive, and it showed. They pressed higher, ran harder, and asked real questions of Egypt’s back line. The momentum shifted, even if only slightly.

Egypt bent but did not break. This was game management at tournament level: absorb, defend set plays, slow the tempo when needed, and attack only when Angola left gaps. It wasn’t always pretty, but it was effective, and it was enough.

“Angola had the energy, Egypt had the answers. That’s the difference.”

Group B stakes: why the draw mattered for Egypt

The draw was more than a point—it was the key to the bracket. By finishing on seven points and unbeaten, Egypt top Group B and step into the Round of 16 as a seeded side. In tournament football, that status matters. It can shape the path, the matchups, and the workload in the knockouts.

Resting Salah and Marmoush made sense with that bigger picture in mind. Fresh legs for the knockout rounds can be the difference between going deep and going home early. Egypt trusted their squad and got exactly what they needed: a result that fits the plan.

One match, two scorelines: 1–1 vs 0–0

There was a small wrinkle around the final score. While our report reflects a 1–1 draw that leaves Egypt on seven points at the top of Group B, some outlets listed a 0–0 result from Agadir. The broader context and table implications align with the 1–1 tally—Egypt end the group unbeaten, top with seven points, and Angola are eliminated.

Does the difference matter? For Egypt’s tournament path, not really—first place was the target, and they achieved it. For Angola, either draw ends their AFCON 2025. Still, clarity is important, and we note the scoreline discrepancy for the record.

“Call it 1–1 or 0–0—either way, Angola’s run ends here.”

AFCON 2025 Group B: lessons from Egypt’s approach

Egypt showed something that wins tournaments: control. They did not chase headlines. They chased the bracket. With a rotated team, they commanded the first half through set pieces and smart possession. When the game tilted, they adjusted and held firm.

That balance—attack when it’s on, manage when it’s not—is the mark of seasoned contenders. It’s also a sign that the group understands roles, even when stars sit. The bench contributed, the shape stayed solid, and the result matched the plan.

What this means for Angola

Angola leave with frustration but also signs of growth. The second-half surge showed belief and bravery. They forced Egypt into long spells of concentration and carved out periods of pressure.

The margins at AFCON are thin. A touch here, a set piece there, and the story changes. This time, it didn’t break their way. The challenge now is to turn that energy into a full 90 minutes the next time they reach this stage.

Looking ahead: Egypt in the Round of 16

As a seeded team in the last 16, Egypt will like their chances. They’ve managed minutes, avoided major scares, and kept momentum. Bringing back Salah and Marmoush gives them the firepower to tilt tight knockout games. The defense looks organized. The midfield looks steady.

Knockout football is about moments. Set pieces, transitions, one-on-one quality—Egypt have tools in all three. If the group stage was about control, the next step is about cutting edge in the final third. With rested stars, they are built for that jump.

For now, the job is done. A draw may not make hearts race, but in tournament football, it can be perfect. Egypt top Group B, Angola exit, and AFCON 2025 moves into the phase where one moment can define a month.