SOCCER: Second string Egypt finish group unbeaten after draw with Angola

AGADIR – Egypt rested all their key players but maintained their unbeaten run at the Africa Cup of Nations, drawing 0-0 with Angola on Monday to finish their Group B campaign with seven points.

Having already secured top spot in the group before kickoff, Egypt made 11 changes from their 1-0 win over South Africa on Friday, giving stars like Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush a well-deserved rest.

Angola finished third in the group but must wait to see if they will advance to the round of 16 as one of the best four third-placed teams. Their two-point haul means they can only progress if Comoros and Zambia lose in Group A on Monday, and Tanzania and Uganda fall in their final Group C matches on Tuesday.

Angola had the better chances to win the game. Chico Banza’s 42nd-minute strike came closest after a quick one-two with Mabululu, holding off two defenders before sending the ball past the post. Mabululu also had two attempts on goal, while captain Fredy’s free kick early in the second half shaved the outside of the post, following a sharp save from Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir minutes before halftime.

Substitute Mbala Nzola nearly scored in the 80th minute but hit the side netting, and Manuel Benson’s last-minute free kick sailed over the bar. For Egypt, French-based striker Mostafa Mohamed captained the side and created a 20th-minute chance with a spectacular overhead kick from a corner, allowing Hossam Abdelmaguid a close-range attempt, which went over the crossbar.

Substitute Ahmed Zizo also came close in the second half but was denied while in a promising position.

Egypt Coach Satisfied with Second-String Lineup

Egypt will remain in Agadir for their round of 16 match against one of the best third-placed teams next Monday.

“We wanted a positive result and this draw is satisfying,” said coach Hossam Hassan. “We chose to change the team and rest those who played a lot in the first two matches. I am very satisfied with the players we fielded tonight. We are happy with this result and we are looking forward to the round of 16 regardless of the team that stands ahead of us. We are ready.”

South Africa, who beat Zimbabwe 3-2 in Marrakech in the other Group B match on Monday, finished second with six points. They will face the runner-up of Group F in their round of 16 tie in Rabat on Sunday.

-Writing by Mark Gleeson in Rabat; Editing by Christian Radnedge/Reuters