The third round of group-stage matches in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations begins Monday at Stade Adrar, where Angola faces Egypt.

The Pharaohs, already through, will play Angola to end Group B well; Angola needs a win to stay in the competition.

Egypt’s Nations Cup record is beyond dispute. However, their recent performances have often disappointed, including three last-16 losses in four tries.

Mohamed Salah, nearing the end of his great career, will want to win a continental trophy to solidify his legacy with Egypt.

Salah scored the winning goal in both of his team’s wins, including a recent, debated penalty against South Africa, which sent the Pharaohs to the round of 16.

Hossam Hassan will demand more from his team if they are to win AFCON after 16 years, but the seven-time champions can ease up in their next match against Angola.

Despite this, Egypt will want to keep its winning streak going, with first place in Group B at stake.

Angola hasn’t beaten Egypt in their last seven games, and Monday’s match is their first in four years.

Angola has earned only one point out of a possible six after reaching the quarter-finals in the Ivory Coast during their previous AFCON appearance.

Patrice Beaumelle’s team started with a 2-1 loss to South Africa on Monday and then drew 1-1 with Zimbabwe four days later, where Knowledge Musona scored to cancel out Gelson Dala’s goal.

Angola has performed admirably in their two games, though they’re at the bottom of Group B without any wins.

With five games without a shutout, Los Palancas Negras must improve their defense before facing the AFCON’s most successful team in a must-win situation.

Angola must beat Egypt to avoid group-stage elimination, but it also needs other results to qualify.