Egypt and South Africa secured their place in the round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) after a 1-1 draw against Angola and a 3-2 victory over Zimbabwe, respectively, on Monday, in the final matchday of Group B, which left the Palancas Negras in third place.

Egypt advances to the knockout stage as group leaders with seven points, while South Africa progresses as second with six points. Angola occupies third place and must wait for the other groups to know if they qualify as one of the best third-placed teams, while Zimbabwe is already eliminated.

Egypt arrived with group qualification already secured but aimed to confirm first place and remain undefeated in the tournament.

Coach Hossam Hassan decided to rest his star players, fielding a largely untried starting eleven without key names like Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush. Despite this, the Pharaohs created several chances early in the first half, especially from set pieces and through Hossam Abdelmaguid.

Angola, with David Carmo in central defense, needed a win to keep hopes alive and grew into the match, always threatening on the counter-attack. Chico Banza came close to scoring before half-time, but his finish was saved by Shobeir after a brilliant combination with Mabululu.

In the second half, Angola continued strongly, almost scoring from a Fredy shot that hit the post in the 53rd minute. They pushed hard for a victory, but Nzola failed a one-on-one in the 80th minute after an excellent assist from Rui Modesto. Despite dominating, Angola earned a point, securing third place with 2 points, but now depends on other third-placed teams for progression.

South Africa, having defeated Angola in the second matchday, aimed to lock in second place in Group B and secure a spot in the round of 16, facing a Zimbabwe side still hoping for advancement. Tshepang Moremi opened the scoring in the 7th minute, but Tawanda Maswanhise equalized in the 19th minute, the only shot on target for Zimbabwe in the first half.

After the break, South Africa regained the lead with Lyle Foster scoring to make it 2-1. Zimbabwe then equalized via an own goal from Aubrey Modiba after a great save from Ronwen Williams. Oswin Appollis sealed the victory with a penalty in the 82nd minute. Despite South Africa’s win, Egypt’s draw against Angola kept them top of the group, while Zimbabwe finished last with just one point.

Mabululu

Achievements