Angola 1-1 Zimbabwe | AFCON 2025 Group B | Grand Stade de Marrakech
Two teams desperate for points. Two defiant second-half performances. One shared outcome that leaves both Angola and Zimbabwe's knockout hopes hanging by a thread. In an intense, physical encounter in Marrakech, the 40-year-old Washington Arubi and the equally experienced Hugo Marques produced the goalkeeping displays that prevented either side from finding a winner.
Dala strikes first, Musona answers
Angola took command midway through the first half when Gelson Dala demonstrated the clinical finishing that has made him a key figure for the Palancas Negras. A perfectly weighted through ball from To Carneiro found Dala in space, and his first touch was immaculate—controlling, turning, and firing into the bottom left corner in one fluid motion.
But Zimbabwe refused to collapse. The Warriors, who had squandered a lead against Egypt in their opening match, showed a different mentality this time. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Bill Antonio delivered a sublime lofted pass that released veteran striker Knowledge Musona, who made no mistake with a precise finish into the bottom corner. It was the equalizer Zimbabwe's effort deserved.
Tactical chess in the second half
Both managers made proactive changes as the match progressed. Angola's Patrice Beaumelle introduced Zito Luvumbo and Mabululu to provide fresh attacking impetus, while Zimbabwe's Michael Nees relied on Tawanda Chirewa to unlock the Angolan defense.
Key moments in a frantic second half:
- 78' - Hugo Marques denies Chirewa - A solo run and powerful strike from the edge of the box looked destined for the net before the Angolan keeper produced a stunning save
- 87' - Jonah Fabisch fires over - Zimbabwe's best chance of the half, skied from a promising position
- 90+1' - Arubi's heroics - The 40-year-old veteran turned away Felicio Milson's rocket shot to preserve the point
The yellow cards told their own story—five between the two sides, as tackles flew in and tempers frayed in the Marrakech heat.
What it means: survival mode
This result puts both teams in serious jeopardy of an early exit. Angola and Zimbabwe now have just one point each from two matches, while Egypt and South Africa contest the top spots.
The cold reality facing both nations:
- Angola must face Egypt in their final group match—the team that just qualified for the knockouts with a game to spare
- Zimbabwe take on South Africa, who need points to secure second place
Neither Angola nor Zimbabwe has ever lost their opening game at AFCON and progressed to the knockout stages. History is not on their side.
Man of the Match: Fredy
Angola's tireless midfielder Fredy was named TotalEnergies Man of the Match for his all-action display. The creative hub of Beaumelle's side, he was involved in nearly every dangerous Angolan attack while also tracking back to break up Zimbabwe's counter-attacks.
It was the kind of complete performance that keeps coaches up at night wondering what might have been if his teammates had been more clinical in front of goal.
Match stats
- Possession: Angola 52% - Zimbabwe 48%
- Shots: Angola 14 - Zimbabwe 12
- Shots on target: Angola 5 - Zimbabwe 4
- Yellow cards: Angola 2 - Zimbabwe 3
Angola face Egypt on December 29 in Agadir, while Zimbabwe travel to Marrakech to face South Africa on the same day. Both matches kick off at 16:00 GMT.