Mohamed Shehata (Egypt) against Angola during the CAN, December 29, 2025
Credit: Getty Images
There was no miracle for Angola. The Palancas Negras of Frenchman Patrice Beaumelle are almost eliminated from the CAN after a draw against Egypt (0-0) during the 3rd day of group B, Monday in Agadir. Mute despite their offensive desire, the Angolans finished in 3rd place in the group and will only be able to finish among the best thirds in the event of the improbable bankruptcy of all their competitors in the other five groups. South Africa, victorious over Zimbabwe at the same time (2-3), finished 2nd behind the Egyptians who were qualified.
As was to be expected with the Pharaohs already assured of finishing first in the group, coach Hossam Hassan largely rotated for this 3rd match. Mohamed Salah did not come into play. The surprise came more from the Angolan starting eleven with also many changes. The Lyonnais Clinton Mata, the former Lensois M’bala Nzola and the talented Gelson Dala started on the bench.
Egypt did not force
The Palancas Negras de Beaumelle initially lacked the collective benchmarks to shake up rigorous opponents. However, they were able to gain confidence and use their percussion skills against the Egyptians who were too calm. Mabululu warmed the gloves of the opposing goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir (35th), Chico Banza barely missed the target (43rd) and Fredy forced the goalkeeper to fly away to divert his beautiful shot (44th).
The Egyptians launched three new players after the break and Nantes’ Mostafa Mohamed, starting up front, failed to stand out. If the Egyptian incoming Zizo alerted the Angolan goalkeeper Hugo Marques (59th), his teammates were content to remain serious. The Angolans, for their part, lacked success with a contentious action in the opposing area (46th), then a free kick from their captain Fredy that hit the post (53rd). Egypt held on until the end against the clumsy Palancas Negras (16 shots for 4 on target).
South Africa continues on its way
In Marrakech, the South Africans were more precise to overcome Zimbabwe (3-2). Scorers Tshepang Moremi (7th), Lyle Foster (50th), Oswin Appollis (82nd, sp) and their teammates take 2nd place in the group after a prolific encounter and will play in the round of 16.
This will not yet be the case for Angola which finishes in 3rd place. His 2 points (goal difference of -1) are for the moment not enough to be among the best thirds even if N’Zola, finally coming on against Egypt, was still hoping for a positive outcome with a series of advantageous scenarios in the other five groups. To do this, we will have to not be overtaken by any other third in the group, and hope for a defeat of at least two goals for Zambia, fourth provisional “redrafted” (2 pts, goal difference of 0) this Monday evening against Morocco.
