AFCON 2025: Angola and Zimbabwe Share the Spoils in Entertaining Group B Draw

By Francis Onyach - Reporter

Kenya, 26 December 2025 - Angola and Zimbabwe played out a spirited 1–1 draw in Group B of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 on Friday at the Grand Stade de Marrakech, with both teams earning their first point of the tournament in a tight contest.

The match got off to a promising start for Angola, who took the lead in the 24th minute.

Gelson Dala latched onto a defence-splitting through ball and finished with composure into the bottom corner, giving the Palancas Negras an early advantage and rewarding their positive approach.

The finish illustrated Angola’s attacking intent and caused concern for Zimbabwe’s back line.

Zimbabwe responded resiliently and gradually grew into the game, looking to disrupt Angola’s rhythm while probing for openings on the counter.

Their persistence paid off late in the first half when veteran forward Knowledge Musona equalised in 45+6′, firing a precise finish from close range after a swift attacking transition.

His goal came just before the interval and swung momentum back in favour of the Warriors going into the break.

The second half was competitive and disciplined from both sides, but neither team could find a winner.

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Angola threatened at set pieces and through sustained possession, while Zimbabwe remained dangerous on the break, forcing saves from both goalkeepers and contested clearances in the box.

Late attempts from both camps went close but ultimately failed to change the scoreline.

The result leaves Angola and Zimbabwe level on one point early in Group B, with both teams still chasing qualification to the knockout stages as the competition intensifies.

Their next fixtures will be crucial if either side is to keep hopes of progressing alive.