Egypt held by Angola in goalless start to 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying

Egypt began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a goalless draw against Angola in Group B.

The result gave both sides their first point of the qualifying competition, while Malawi moved top of the group after beating South Sudan 2-1.

The match also marked the 12th draw for Egypt manager Hossam Hassan in his 36 games in charge of the national team. He has recorded 19 victories and five defeats during that period.

Egypt made the brighter start and looked to attack from the opening minutes. Mustafa Abdelraouf Ziko was played in behind the Angola defence by Ahmed Fattouh, but his touch was too heavy and the ball ran through to the goalkeeper.

Angola responded in the seventh minute when Agostinho Mabululu tried his luck from outside the penalty area, sending his effort over the crossbar. Egypt continued to threaten through set-pieces and crosses.

Mahmoud Saber shot wide of the left post from inside the area in the 17th minute, before Mohamed Salah went close three minutes later. The Egypt captain met a corner with a first-time effort, but the Angola goalkeeper saved.

Egypt thought they had taken the lead in the 22nd minute when Ziko found the net, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. The visitors continued to apply pressure, while Angola relied mainly on occasional efforts from distance.

Egypt missed further chances before half-time, but Mustafa Shobeir was also required to make two important saves. He denied a powerful Mabululu strike in the 43rd minute and then stopped a direct free-kick from Manuel Luis Show a minute later.

Egypt made their first change in the 40th minute, with Omar Marmoush replacing Mahmoud Saber.

The visitors tried to regain control after the interval. Fattouh sent a cross into the area that was gathered by the Angola goalkeeper, while Ziko then found Mohamed Salah behind the defence. Angola’s defenders intervened before Salah could shoot.

Ziko headed a cross from Haitham Hassan wide in the 59th minute. Two minutes later, an Egypt corner taken by Salah led to an Imam Ashour shot that flew over the bar.

Ahmed Sayed Zizo replaced Salah in the 63rd minute, with Hamza Abdelkarim coming on for Haitham Hassan three minutes later.

Angola began to exploit spaces as the second half progressed. Pedro broke into the box and fired over Shobeir’s goal in the 70th minute, while Imam Ashour’s effort from the edge of the area was blocked by the Angola defence in the 81st.

Egypt pushed for a late winner, but Angola remained organised. Chiquo Banza saw a shot from inside the area blocked, and neither side could find a decisive finish before the final whistle.