Egypt were held to a goalless draw by Angola in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture at the Cairo International Stadium on Friday.
The Pharaohs dominated possession for long periods but struggled to break down a disciplined Angolan defence, with both sides settling for a point in the Group B encounter.
Angola created the first clear opportunity in the seventh minute when Mabululu fired narrowly over the bar from outside the box.
Egypt responded with captain Mohamed Salah testing goalkeeper Hugo in the 21st minute, but his effort from the right was pushed away.
Mostafa Ziko appeared to put the hosts ahead moments later, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan made an early adjustment before the break, bringing on Tottenham Hotspur forward, Omar Marmoush for midfielder Mahmoud Saber.
Goalkeeper Shobeir was then called into action, making a smart save to keep out Keliano’s powerful free-kick as the first half ended 0-0.
Egypt continued to control proceedings after the restart, with Ziko and Salah both missing opportunities inside the box.
Hassan later withdrew Salah and Haissem Hassan for Ahmed “Zizo” Sayed and Hamza AbdelKarim as he sought to add more attacking impetus.
Ramy Rabia headed a corner over the bar, while Marmoush came close twice.
His first effort went wide from the edge of the area before Hugo produced an excellent save to deny his header from Mohamed Hany’s cross four minutes from time.
Angola remained a threat on the counter-attack but rarely tested Egypt after the interval.
Hassan made two more late substitutions, introducing Ibrahim Adel and Ali Mahmoud, but the hosts could not find a breakthrough.
The result leaves Egypt and Angola with one point each in Group B, while Malawi lead the group after defeating South Sudan earlier on Friday.
Egypt will look for their first victory of the qualifying campaign when they travel to Juba to face South Sudan on Tuesday.
