Hossam Hassan Pulls a Strategic Pivot: Salah’s Bench Made the Headlines in CAN Group B
30 December 2025
Match build-up and lineup decisions
Egypt, the seven-time Africa Cup of Nations champions, extended their CAN record with a goalless draw against Angola on Friday, despite star Mohamed Salah being rested. The Pharaohs entered the match with several changes to the lineup, and the game at Adrar Stadium in Morocco finished without goals.
Impact on Group B and what it means for Angola
Before Egypt's final group game against Angola, coached by Patrice Beaumelle, coach Hossam Hassan decided to keep Salah on the bench. Having already secured a last-16 place after beating Zimbabwe and South Africa in the opening two games, Hassan opted to deviate from the norm to preserve his main players for the knockout rounds.
With Manchester City's Omar Marmoush also among the substitutes, Salah and Marmoush both got a share of rest, and Egypt kept a clean sheet in their final group match.
That result left Angola's hopes of reaching the knockout stage hanging by a thread. Beating Egypt would have given them a path to the second spot or one of the best third-placed teams, but it was not to be.
Meanwhile, South Africa's 3-2 victory over Zimbabwe in the other Group B fixture sealed the outcome, making it virtually impossible for Angola to finish in the top two, even if they beat Egypt who were missing Salah.
Punchlines for a lighter take: Hassan’s bench move was so strategic, even the bench got promoted. If Salah stays rested, the ball might need a therapist after all this rotation.
