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Goalless Draw Frustrates Egypt Against Angola in Africa Cup Qualifiers

Egypt were held to a goalless draw by Angola at Cairo International Stadium on Friday night in the opening match of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The match started at a fast and intense pace, with both teams looking to take control early. Angola created the first real threat in the seventh minute when Cristovao Mabululu capitalized on a mistake by Egypt midfielder Mahand Lasheen and unleashed a powerful shot that flew over Mostafa Shobeir’s crossbar.

Egypt responded in the 17th minute when Mahmoud Saber received a precise pass from Emam Ashour inside the penalty area. However, Saber sent his effort wide of the Angolan goal, missing a golden opportunity to give Egypt the lead.

In the 22nd minute, the referee disallowed a goal scored by Mostafa Ziko for Egypt after ruling that the forward was in an offside position.

The Pharaohs continued to threaten Angola’s goal through Mohamed Salah, Mohamed Hany, and Ziko, but the Angolan defense remained well organized and prevented Egypt from finding the breakthrough.

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan made his first substitution in the 40th minute, bringing on Omar Marmoush in place of Mahmoud Saber in an attempt to strengthen the attacking line.

Just before halftime, Mostafa Shobeir produced an important save to deny a powerful effort from an Angolan player, keeping the score level at the interval.

Egypt began the second half searching for an early goal, but Angola continued to close down the spaces and rely on a compact defensive structure.

In the 61st minute, Hassan made two further changes, replacing Mohamed Salah and Haitham Hassan with Ahmed Sayed Zizo and Hamza Abdelkarim.

After 75 minutes, the score remained goalless, with Egypt unable to convert its possession and attacking attempts into a decisive goal.

### Egypt Starting Lineup

**Goalkeeper:** Mostafa Shobeir.

**Defenders:** Mohamed Hany, Hossam Abdelmegid, Rami Rabia, Ahmed Fattouh.

**Midfielders:** Mahand Lasheen, Emam Ashour, Mahmoud Saber, Haitham Hassan.

**Forwards:** Mohamed Salah, Mostafa Ziko.

### Egypt Substitutes

Mahdy Soliman, Mohamed Alaa, Tarek Alaa, Mohamed Abdelmonem, Omar Fayed, Karim Hafez, Ali Mahmoud, Ibrahim Adel, Ahmed Sayed Zizo, Omar Marmoush, and Hamza Abdelkarim.

### Angola Starting Lineup

**Goalkeeper:** Hugo Marques.

**Defenders:** David Carmo, Mersoni Samba, Jonathan Buatu, Kialonda Gaspar.

**Midfielders:** Pedro Francisco, Manuel Luis “Show,” Manuel Keliano.

**Forwards:** Zito Luvumbo, Cristovao Mabululu, and Felicio Milson.

### Historical Advantage for Egypt

The match marked the ninth meeting between Egypt and Angola. Their rivalry began 34 years ago during the group stage of the World Cup qualifiers.

Egypt have enjoyed a clear historical advantage, winning four previous meetings and scoring 11 goals. Angola have scored seven goals, while four matches ended in draws. The Angolan side are still seeking their first victory against the Pharaohs.