Angola and Zimbabwe both began their Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 campaigns with 2–1 defeats to South Africa and Egypt. The two sides then met for the first time ever at an AFCON finals in their second Group B match at the Marrakesh Stadium on 26 December, sharing the points in a 1–1 draw.
Angola started the brighter of the two teams and Zimbabwe goalkeeper Washington Arubi was quickly called into action. In the 20th minute, Benson’s deflected effort forced a corner, from which Buatu powered a header straight into the keeper’s hands. Moments later, Nzola met another cross with a firm header towards the bottom corner, only for Arubi to palm it away.
The breakthrough came in the 25th minute. Carneiro raced onto a long pass down the right before delivering a composed cross into the area. Gelson Dala controlled well and smashed a right-footed strike into the net to give Angola the lead.
Zimbabwe tried to respond and came close from a free kick just outside the box, but Knowledge Musona’s effort flew over the bar. A first-half injury forced Teenage Hadebe off, with Brendan Galloway coming on. Then, deep into stoppage time, Zimbabwe struck back. A swift counter-attack saw Musona break through on goal before rifling his shot beyond Hugo Marques to make it 1–1, assisted by Bill Antonio.
The second half was open and competitive, with both teams searching for a winner. In the 78th minute, Tawanda Chirewa forced Marques into a fine save with a left-footed strike toward the top corner. Soon after, Prince Dube went close with a header that drifted just wide following a corner.
Angola applied pressure late on as they pushed for victory, but Zimbabwe held firm to secure their first point of the tournament. It proved a frustrating outcome for new Angola head coach Patrice Beaumelle, whose side were unable to convert their dominance into all three points.
Historically, Angola and Zimbabwe had met four times previously in AFCON qualifying campaigns in 1998 and 2013, with Angola advancing to the finals on both occasions while Zimbabwe missed out.
Next up, Angola face Egypt on 29 December in what is shaping into a must-win encounter, while Zimbabwe take on neighbours South Africa in another crucial Group B fixture.
