AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Aliou Cisse passes major Angola test with draw against Egypt

Former Senegal coach Aliou Cisse began his reign as Angola head coach with a goalless draw against Egypt in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match in Cairo.

Egypt dominated for long periods at Cairo International Stadium and continued to push for a winning goal late in the game, but Angola held firm to secure a valuable point in Cisse’s first competitive match in charge.

The result leaves both teams on one point after the opening round of Group J, with Angola second and Egypt third in the standings.

Egypt unable to break down Angola

The hosts controlled much of the match and created sustained attacking pressure, but could not find a way past the Angolan defence.

Egypt continued to search for the breakthrough until the final minutes, but Cisse’s side resisted the pressure to leave Cairo with a point.

The draw gives both nations an early foothold in the group as they begin their campaign to qualify for the 2027 AFCON.

Cisse starts Angola chapter

Cisse takes charge of Angola after a successful spell with Senegal, where he guided the Teranga Lions to their first AFCON title in 2021.

The former Senegal international is now tasked with leading Angola through the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.

His first victory will be the next target when Angola face Malawi on 6 October.