Angola vs Egypt

The group stage of AFCON 2025 reaches a critical juncture today, Monday, December 29, 2025, as Angola face off against the group leaders Egypt.¹ While the Pharaohs have already punched their ticket to the Round of 16, Angola enters this match at the Stade Adrar in Agadir with their tournament life on the line.²

Match Details

• Competition: AFCON 2025 (Group B, Matchday 3)³

• Kick-off: 16:00 GMT / 17:00 Local / 19:00 EAT⁴

• Venue: Stade Adrar, Agadir, Morocco⁵

• Referee: Messi Jessie (Congo)

Current Standings & Scenarios

• Egypt: Already qualified as group winners.⁶ They may use this match to rotate the squad.

• Angola: Must win to have any chance of qualifying as runners-up or one of the best third-placed teams.⁷ A draw or loss will likely result in an early exit.

   

Team News & Key Players

Egypt: The Rotation Question

The Pharaohs became the first team to reach the knockout stage after a gritty 1–0 win over South Africa.⁸ However, they will be without right-back Mohamed Hany, who is suspended after a red card in the previous match.⁹

• The Salah Factor: Having scored in both opening games, Mohamed Salah is chasing the Golden Boot, but manager Hossam Hassan may rest him to avoid injury before the Round of 16.

• Predicted XI (4-3-3): El Shenawy; Hamdi, Abdelmagid, El-Hanfi, Omar Gaber; Fathi, Attia, Trezeguet; Marmoush, Mostafa Mohamed, Salah.

Angola: Everything to Play For

The "Palancas Negras" were left frustrated after a 1–1 draw with Zimbabwe.¹⁰ They have shown attacking intent but have struggled with defensive lapses at crucial moments.

• Key Player: Gelson Dala, who scored against Zimbabwe, remains their most potent goal threat and will need to be clinical tonight.¹¹

• Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Marques; Clinton Mata, Buatu, David Carmo, To Carneiro; Beni, Show; Manuel Benson, Fredy, Gelson Dala; M’Bala Nzola.¹²

Head-to-Head: The Pharaohs’ Dominance

Angola has historically struggled against the seven-time champions.¹³

• Total Meetings: 8

• Results: Egypt (4 wins), 4 Draws, Angola (0 wins).¹⁴

   

   

• AFCON History: Egypt has won both previous AFCON meetings (2–1 in 1996 and 2–1 in 2008).¹⁵

   

   

• Last Encounter: A thrilling 2–2 draw in 2021 during World Cup Qualification.

   

Tactical Breakdown: Desperation vs. Discipline

Angola will likely fly out of the blocks, knowing only a win suffices. They will rely on the physical presence of M’Bala Nzola to disrupt Egypt's backline.¹⁷

Egypt, even with a rotated side, will look to control the tempo through Emam Ashour and Trezeguet. If Angola overcommits in search of a goal, the pace of Omar Marmoush on the counter-attack could be devastating.

Match Prediction

While Angola has the greater motivation, Egypt’s tactical discipline and depth are superior.¹⁸ Even a "B-team" for the Pharaohs is a formidable challenge. However, with Egypt already safe, Angola might just find enough grit to salvage a point—though it may not be enough to save their tournament.

Final Score Prediction: Angola 1–1 Egypt