AFCON 2025: Egypt Emerges Group B Leader, Send Angola Packing

Egypt concluded their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) group stage campaign by finishing top of Group B, following a goalless draw with Angola at Stade Adrar on Monday evening.

The result sees Egypt advance to the Round of 16, while Angola were eliminated from the continental soccer competition, having finished third in Group B with just two points from their three matches.

The encounter began tentatively with Angola enjoying the majority of possession in the opening five minutes as they sought an early breakthrough. Their first significant opportunity arrived around the 10th minute mark, with Kialonda Gaspar finding himself in a promising attacking position. However, the defender’s effort sailed high over the bar.

Egypt came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock in the 20th minute when Mostafa Mohamed narrowly missed a close-range header following an acrobatic cutback into the box.

As the half progressed, Angola, known as the Black Sable Antelopes, continued to press, with Chico Banza failing to convert a well-worked move just before half-time in the 42nd minute. With neither side able to capitalise on their chances, the score remained 0-0 at the interval.

Angola were presented with one of the best opportunities of the match shortly after the restart when Fredy struck the upright from a near-perfect free-kick on the edge of the Egyptian penalty area. Moments later, Zizo unleashed a curling effort for Egypt, which was expertly saved by Angola’s goalkeeper, Hugo Marquez.

As the 80th-minute mark approached, the game opened up at Stade Adrar, with both nations intensifying their attacking efforts. However, despite increased pressure and opportunities, neither side could find a decisive goal, and the match concluded in a tense 0-0 draw.