Egypt had clinched their trip to the AFCON Round of 16 prior to Monday’s kick-off against Angola, and as a result the Liverpool winger and Egyptian captain took in their final group stage match from the bench.
In a tight-fought 0-0 draw that Angola were perhaps unlucky not to win, Egypt booked their place at the top of Group B. The Pharaohs had needed just a point to top the group into the next phase, and a point was achieved — though the side was toothless without Salah. Egypt finishes on seven points
with the unlucky Angola languishing on just two.
Egypt join Nigeria and Algeria as teams who have booked a ticket to the next phase, with Egypt next playing on January 5th against an as-yet unknown opponent. Salah’s side will face a third place team.
The remainder of the tournament is scheduled as follows:
Round of 16: 3-6 January
Quarter-finals: 9-10 January
Semi-finals: 14 January
Third-place playoff: 17 January
Final: 18 January
