Angola vs Egypt: Black Sable Antelopes Face Must-Win Match Against Rotated Pharaohs
by Joseph King | by Joseph King
Significant rotation expected from the seven-time champions
With the top spot in Group B already secured, and thus a place in the round of 16, Egypt are expected to ring in the changes for their final group stage match in the 2025 African Cup of Nations.
The Pharaohs pulled off a gritty 1-0 win over South Africa in Matchday 2, despite playing the entire second half with 10 men. Mohamed Salah converted from the penalty spot just two minutes before Mohamed Hany saw red at the end of the first half.
Egypt manager Hossam Hassan stated that he plans to “introduce new faces” for this match against Angola. The question is: will Hassan risk Salah, or possibly use him off the bench, with the 33-year-old chasing his own record as Egypt’s all-time leading goalscorer?
Egypt have now qualified for the knockout stages in the last five consecutive African Cup of Nations. During that stretch, they had to settle for a runners-up medal twice (2017, 2021). The seven-time champions will attract plenty of attention heading into the round of 16 as the world watches on to see if Mohamed Salah can win his first major tournament with his national team.
Missed opportunity leads to Angola desperation
Group B standings
| Position | Team | Record (W-D-L) | Goal differential | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Egypt | 2-0-0 | +2 | 6 |
| 2. | South Africa | 1-0-1 | 0 | 3 |
| 3. | Angola | 0-1-1 | -1 | 1 |
| 4. | Zimbabwe | 0-1-1 | -1 | 1 |
Angola’s 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe on Friday has put them in a precarious position heading into the final group stage game. With South Africa firm favourites against Zimbabwe, even a win for Angola here likely won’t be enough to secure second place.
Historically, four points is usually enough to qualify as one of the best third-place teams, although three points has also been enough on occasion.
Either way, Angola will have to make their last stand here - facing a must-win match to stay alive.
Many of the top online betting sites seem to share the sentiment that Egypt are going to rest their top players. They have the winners market much more evenly balanced, while Angola would be heavy underdogs under normal circumstances against a full-strength Egyptian side.
However, Egypt are one of the continent’s deepest teams and this won’t be an easy task for the Black Sable Antelopes. Even against a rotated Egypt, Angola are slight underdogs to get the win.
Key players: Ashour and Dala could prove decisive
Emam Ashour is the ideal candidate to get a starting spot in a rotated Egypt team. He should be relatively fresh after playing just 34 minutes against Zimbabwe in the first match and 45 minutes against South Africa on Friday. Ashour would offer Egypt a versatile, dynamic goal threat from central midfield.
The 27-year-old scored 19 times and provided 9 assists in his 39 games with Egyptian giants Al-Ahly in 2024-25. He’s the perfect representation of the depth that this Egyptian side possesses, and should be a key player as they look to maintain their 100% winning record in Group B.
Gelson Dala, meanwhile, is Angola’s danger man going forward. The left winger will be one of Angola's primary outlets on the counter attack with Egypt expected to dominate much of the ball.
Dala scored four goals in the 2023 edition of the African Cup of Nations, finishing second in the golden boot race and leading Angola to the quarter-finals. He was on the scoresheet in his last match, putting Angola in front before Zimbabwe’s equaliser late in the first half. If Angola are to pull off a famous win against the seven-time champions, Dala is sure to play a major role.
