Egypt opened their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a goalless draw against Angola at home on Friday.
Hossam Hassan’s side took one point from their Group B opener after failing to break down the visitors.
Egypt thought they had taken the lead midway through the first half. Mostafa Ziko found the net in the 22nd minute, but referee Peter Waweru ruled the goal out for offside.
Mahmoud Saber had wasted Egypt’s clearest earlier opportunity. Emam Ashour found the midfielder inside the area in the 17th minute, but Saber fired wide.
Angola also threatened at the other end. Mabululu capitalised on a Mohanad Lasheen mistake after seven minutes but sent his effort over the bar.
Mostafa Shobeir then produced an important save shortly before half-time to keep the scores level.
Hassan started Shobeir in goal behind Mohamed Hany, Rami Rabia, Hossam Abdelmaguid and Ahmed Fattouh.
Lasheen, Ashour, Saber and Haissem Hassan formed the midfield, with Mohamed Salah and Ziko leading the attack.
Egypt continued searching for the opener after the break but could not turn their possession into a decisive goal.
Meanwhile, Angola stayed compact and preserved the clean sheet to leave Cairo with a point.
The draw extends Egypt’s unbeaten record against Angola. The Pharaohs have still never lost to the southern African side.
The teams had also drawn 0-0 during the group stage of the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
Egypt now turn their attention to South Sudan in their second qualifier. The Pharaohs travel to Juba for Monday’s game before returning to Cairo for an October 4 friendly against South Africa.