Egypt started their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a goalless draw against Angola on Friday night at Cairo International Stadium in the opening round of Group B.

Egypt controlled parts of the match and created several chances, but they could not find the net. Both teams therefore collected one point from their first game of the qualifiers.

Egypt started with Mostafa Shobeir in goal, while Mohamed Hany, Rami Rabia, Hossam Abdelmaguid and Ahmed Fattouh formed the defensive line.

Mohannad Lasheen, Emam Ashour, Mahmoud Saber and Haitham Hassan played in midfield and the attacking areas, with Mohamed Salah and Mostafa Ziko leading the front line.

Angola also started with several of their key players, including Agostinho Mabululu in attack. Zamalek forward Chico Banza began the match on the bench before joining the game in the second half.

Chances Without Goals

Egypt tried to control possession from the opening minutes and push Angola back, but the visitors produced the first clear threat in the seventh minute when Mabululu fired a powerful long-range shot over Mostafa Shobeir's goal.

Egypt responded with several attacks. Ahmed Fattouh tried his luck from outside the penalty area, before Mahmoud Saber found space inside the box and sent his effort just wide.

Mohamed Salah also came close to opening the scoring after receiving the ball inside the penalty area following a corner, but Angola's goalkeeper stopped his attempt.

Egypt finally put the ball in the net in the 22nd minute through Mostafa Ziko, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

The hosts continued to push forward, while Angola stayed organized in defence and looked for chances through quick attacks and shots from distance.

Before the end of the first half, Hossam Hassan made an early change, bringing on Omar Marmoush for Mahmoud Saber in the 40th minute to add more speed and attacking threat.

Angola became more dangerous late in the first half, forcing Mostafa Shobeir to make important saves before the teams went into the break with the score still 0-0.

Egypt tried to increase the tempo after the restart, but they struggled to turn possession into clear chances.

Haitham Hassan sent in a cross that Ziko headed wide, while Mohamed Salah and Emam Ashour continued trying to find space against a well-organized Angolan defence.

Around the hour mark, Hossam Hassan made more attacking changes. Ahmed Sayed Zizo and Hamza Abdelkarim came on for Mohamed Salah and Haitham Hassan.

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Omar Marmoush had a good opportunity in the 67th minute after receiving a pass from Emam Ashour, but he could not turn the chance into a goal.

Angola did not only defend. The visitors tried to use the spaces left behind by Egypt as the hosts pushed more players forward. Chico Banza also came on during the second half and caused problems for Egypt's defence late in the game.

Ibrahim Adel and Ali Mahmoud were introduced in the closing minutes as Egypt searched for fresh energy, with Ali Mahmoud making his first senior international appearance.

Marmoush nearly scored the winning goal late in the match after receiving a cross inside the penalty area, but Angola's goalkeeper produced an important save to keep the score level.

One Point to Start

The match ended 0-0, giving Egypt one point from their opening qualifier, while Angola also started their campaign with a point.

Malawi moved to the top of Group B after beating South Sudan 2-1, while Egypt and Angola began with a draw.

The result was also Hossam Hassan's 12th draw in 36 matches in charge of Egypt. His record over those matches stands at 19 wins, 12 draws and five defeats.

A home draw was not the start Egypt wanted, especially at Cairo International Stadium, but the team will have an immediate opportunity to respond in the second round.

Egypt will travel to Juba to face South Sudan on Tuesday, September 29, looking for their first victory of the qualifying campaign and a better position in the group.

After the South Sudan match, Egypt will continue their international break with a friendly against South Africa on October 4 at Cairo International Stadium.

Group B of the AFCON 2027 qualifiers includes Egypt, Angola, Malawi and South Sudan, with the teams competing for places at the continental tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

The main challenge for Hossam Hassan and his staff will be turning Egypt's possession and attacking moves into clearer chances and goals.

Between Ziko's disallowed goal, Marmoush's opportunities and attempts from Salah and Emam Ashour, Egypt left Cairo International Stadium with only one point.

The focus now moves quickly to the South Sudan match, where Egypt will look for their first win and a stronger step on the road to AFCON 2027.