AFCON: Zimbabwe force Angola into stalemate

An improved performance from Zimbabwe forced Angola to settle for a one-all draw to begin matchday two from Group B at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Angola’s poor game management at the stroke of half-time prevented them from taking maximum points off their COSAFA rivals.

Both teams made changes to the sides that suffered opening-day defeats in Group B. Zimbabwe should have taken an early lead after Bill Antonio broke free but shot wide. The Palancas Negras enjoyed much of the possession in the early exchanges and broke the deadlock through Gelson Dala’s right-footed strike from inside the box, with the Warriors’ defence caught sleeping.

Following the opening goal, Angola allowed the Warriors back into the encounter as they opted for a cautious approach. That proved costly as veteran striker Knowledge Musona restored parity deep into first-half stoppage time following a beautiful control in the area.

Jonathan Buatu forced a save from Zimbabwe goalkeeper Washington Arubi after the recess, as the second half proved to be a balanced affair. Fredy also tried his luck from a free kick before South Africa-based Ishmael Wadi tested Hugo Marques from close range at the hour mark. The Warriors adopted an aggressive approach in the second interval and came close to victory, but Palancas Negras keeper Marques pulled off a superb save to deny Tawanda Chirewa in the 77th minute.

It was a must-win tie for both nations after their opening-day defeats at the hands of Egypt and South Africa. With the points shared, Angola (vs. Egypt) and Zimbabwe (vs. South Africa) will need to win their final Group B matches on Monday in order to progress to the Round of 16.