The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 group stage is reaching a fever pitch, and nowhere is the tension higher than in Group B, where Egypt and Angola are battling it out in a decisive Matchday 3 clash at the Grand Stade d’Agadir. For Egypt, the stakes are about momentum and perfection; for Angola, it’s all about survival. As the action unfolds on December 29, 2025, fans across the continent are glued to their screens, eager to see if the Pharaohs can complete a flawless group stage or if the Palancas Negras can pull off a last-gasp escape from elimination.
Egypt entered the encounter already riding high, having secured their place in the round of 16 with two hard-fought victories. They edged Zimbabwe 2–1 in their opener, then followed up with a narrow 1–0 win over South Africa, with Mohamed Salah converting from the penalty spot. These results not only put the Pharaohs at the summit of Group B but also extended their unbeaten run in AFCON matches to 12—an impressive feat that speaks volumes about their consistency and pedigree on the continental stage.
Meanwhile, Angola’s journey has been far more precarious. Patrice Beaumelle’s men began their campaign with a 2–1 defeat to South Africa, then managed to salvage a 1–1 draw against Zimbabwe thanks to Gelson Dala’s crucial equalizer. That single point left Angola at the bottom of the group, facing a daunting task: only victory over Egypt would keep their hopes of advancing alive, and even then, their fate would depend on favorable results elsewhere.
Heading into the match, history was firmly on Egypt’s side. The Pharaohs boasted a seven-match unbeaten streak against Angola and had never lost to them in AFCON finals encounters. Their depth, attacking flair, and defensive solidity—highlighted by goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy’s six saves against South Africa and Rami Rabia’s 11 clearances—made them heavy favorites. Yet, as any seasoned football fan knows, the beautiful game is nothing if not unpredictable.
With qualification in the bag, Egypt’s head coach Hossam Hassan faced a tactical dilemma. Should he rest key players, or push for a perfect nine-point group stage to send a message to future opponents? Reports suggested Hassan was considering rotating his lineup, with Ahmed Fattouh, Mohanad Lasheen, and Ibrahim Adel potentially coming in for Mohamed Hamdy, Marwan Attia, and Trézéguet. There was even talk of giving superstar Mohamed Salah a breather, especially as he was seen looking comfortable on the bench during the match.
Despite these possible changes, Hassan made it clear he wasn’t about to let complacency creep in. “My goal is to make the Egyptian people happy. We approach every match as if it were a cup final, especially as African football has become much stronger in recent years due to professionalism,” he stated, underscoring his intent to maintain the team’s winning mentality. He also praised the fans, saying, “I would like to thank the Egyptian, Moroccan, and Arab fans for their continuous support. I also thank the players for the great effort they put into the match.”
On the other side, Angola arrived at the stadium with a sense of urgency and no shortage of pressure. Defensive frailty had plagued them throughout the tournament, with no clean sheet in their last five outings. The Palancas Negras knew that anything less than three points would almost certainly spell the end of their AFCON 2025 adventure. Gelson Dala, their standout performer, had already notched five AFCON goals and was directly involved in more than half of Angola’s goals over the last two tournaments. Could he inspire a famous upset?
As the match kicked off at 16:00 GMT, the intensity was palpable. Angola started with energy, pushing forward and probing Egypt’s defense. The game saw its share of drama and controversy. In the dying moments, Angola appealed for a penalty after Modesto went down in the box under pressure from Eid, but the referee waved play on and VAR declined to intervene. Angola’s coach was visibly furious on the touchline, feeling his side had been denied a crucial opportunity.
Earlier, Angola’s Fredy was bundled over just outside the Egypt box, earning a free kick in the 90th minute. The tension was thick as Benson stepped up, but his effort sailed harmlessly over the bar, letting Egypt off the hook. Moments like these summed up Angola’s night: plenty of effort, flashes of promise, but lacking that clinical edge in key situations.
Egypt, for their part, showed why they are considered favorites. Even with a rotated lineup, they created chances—Zizo unleashed a 25-yard drive that forced a smart save from Angola’s goalkeeper, and their counterattacks kept the Palancas Negras honest. Defensive lapses did occur, but the likes of El Shenawy and Rabia were quick to snuff out danger, and Yasser Ibrahim’s yellow card for a foul on Dala was a testament to Angola’s persistent threat.
Substitutions added further intrigue. Angola threw on Nzola in the 80th minute, and he nearly made an instant impact, racing into the area and firing into the side netting. Egypt’s own tweaks saw Lasheen leave the field after treatment, replaced by Shehata, while Salah remained on the bench, perhaps being saved for the knockout rounds.
The Egyptian Football Association also took a moment during the tournament to express gratitude to Moroccan fans for their passionate support in Agadir, highlighting the camaraderie and unity that defines African football at its best. In an official statement, the EFA praised the "warm reception and backing," stressing the deep fraternal ties between Egyptian and Moroccan peoples and wishing Morocco continued success in hosting the tournament.
As the final whistle approached, the score remained locked, reflecting the balance of play and the stakes involved. Angola’s disappointment was palpable—they had the effort and the moments, but not the finishing touch. With Zimbabwe and South Africa also locked in a 1–1 draw in the other Group B match, the group’s fate hung in the balance, every point and goal difference potentially decisive.
With the group stage drama still unfolding, Egypt’s quest for a perfect record continues, while Angola’s hopes now rest on a knife edge. The Pharaohs have shown why they’re perennial contenders, blending squad depth with resilience and a dash of stardust from players like Salah. Angola, though outmatched on paper, can take heart from their spirited display—even if luck and refereeing decisions didn’t go their way.
As the dust settles in Agadir, all eyes turn to the knockout rounds, where Egypt’s path to AFCON glory remains very much alive. Angola, meanwhile, must wait and hope, their fate tethered to results elsewhere. That’s tournament football—full of drama, heartbreak, and, just sometimes, a little magic.
