By Oni Ladonette Ondesa,
Journalist kick442.com – Cameroon
A second-string Egypt side demonstrated defensive resilience to hold Angola to a 0-0 draw on Monday, ensuring the Pharaohs finish the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) group stage unbeaten while leaving the Palancas Negras on the brink of elimination.
Having already secured top spot in Group B prior to kickoff at the Stade Adrar, Egypt manager Hossam Hassan opted for wholesale changes, resting marquee forwards Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush.
While the rotation robbed the seven-time champions of their usual offensive fluidity, their disciplined low block proved an unbreakable barrier for an Angolan side that dominated large spells of possession but lacked a clinical edge.
For Angola, the stakes could not have been higher. Needing a win to guarantee a knockout berth, Pedro Gonçalves’ men targeted the Egyptian flanks early. Zito Luvumbo and Chico Banza were persistent threats, with the latter squandering the half’s best chance in the 42nd minute, dragging his effort wide after a sharp one-two with Mabululu.
Egypt’s best opening of the first period came via a set-piece in the 20th minute. Captain-for-the-night Mostafa Mohamed showcased his athleticism with an acrobatic cutback from a corner, but defender Hossam Abdelmaguid could only steer his close-range header over the bar.
The intensity spiked after the interval as Angola pushed for the breakthrough. In the 53rd minute, captain Fredy came agonizingly close to a spectacular opener, curling a 25-yard free kick over the wall only to see it rattle the left upright.
Recognizing the shift in momentum, Egypt introduced Zizo and Mostafa Fathi to regain control. The tactical shift stabilized the midfield but did little to spark the attack, as Egypt prioritized game management over risk-taking.
Angola responded by bringing on M’Bala Nzola and Manuel Benson, but the fresh legs failed to dismantle a compact Egyptian backline led by the impressive Mostafa Shobeir in goal.
The draw leaves Angola on just two points, a significant dip from their quarter-final heroics in the previous edition. Their hopes for advancement now rest on a complex set of results in other groups to qualify as one of the best third-placed finishers.
Egypt, meanwhile, head into the Round of 16 as Group B winners with seven points. By successfully resting their “big-hitters” and blooding fringe players in a high-pressure environment, Hassan has managed his squad depth efficiently ahead of the business end of the tournament.
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