Softfootball understands that Patrice Beaumelle’s Angola side is now on the brink of an early exit from the Africa Cup of Nations after a frustrating 0-0 draw with Egypt, leaving them with just three wins from their last 11 competitive matches.
Egypt shared a post about the game via their official X account.
They posted:
Unbeaten in the Group Stage
Egypt, having already secured progression to the round of 16 following a 2-1 victory against Zimbabwe and a 1-0 victory against South Africa, fielded a heavily rotated squad.
They had an early chance midway through the first half when Mostafa Mohamed’s overhead kick fell to Hossam Abdelmaguid, but his header went wide of the post.
Angola had their moments too, most notably through Chico Banza, who broke behind the Egyptian defence, only to see his shot trickle narrowly past the upright.
After the break, Angola pressed harder in search of a decisive goal that would keep their hopes alive. The Diabos Vermelhos were left frustrated when Banza appeared to be fouled in the box by Egypt’s Ahmed Eid, but the referee waved away any complaints.
Moments later, they came agonisingly close when Fredy’s free kick rattled the woodwork, leaving goalkeeper Oufa Shobeir stranded.
Substitute M’Bala Nzola nearly sent Angola’s fans into delirium with a rare attacking run, only to see his shot crash against the side netting.
That marked their last real chance of the game, and as time ran out, it became clear that qualification would be a long shot. With only two points from three matches, Angola’s most likely fate is a fourth group stage exit in five AFCON tournaments.
Meanwhile, Egypt, having finished top of Group B, now turn their attention to the knockout stages, with their big players rested and ready for the challenges ahead. For Angola, it’s back to the drawing board, as another promising campaign fizzles out before the latter stages.
