Angola and Zimbabwe Draw in Africa Cup of Nations Group B Clash

Angola and Zimbabwe Draw in Africa Cup of Nations Group B Clash

Angola and Zimbabwe Draw in Africa Cup of Nations Group B Clash

Talismanic forwards Gelson Dala and Knowledge Musona both found the net as Angola and Zimbabwe secured their first points in Group B of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Marrakech.

Dala, who scored four goals at the 2023 finals, opened the scoring for Angola with a powerful strike after To Carneiro delivered a precise chip during a well-executed attack. In response, Zimbabwe’s veteran forward Musona skillfully controlled an arrowed pass from Bill Antonio to equalize with a clinical finish during first-half stoppage time.

After the break, Warriors goalkeeper Washington Arubi made a crucial close-range save to deny Jonathan Buatu, who was attempting to restore Angola's lead following a knockdown from David Carmo.

Angola's goalkeeper, Hugo Marques, also showcased his skills by tipping Tawanda Chirewa's shot behind for a corner late in the match, which was followed by a key block from Carmo to prevent Prince Dube from scoring from the ensuing corner.

Arubi was called into action once more in the closing stages, first saving a curling shot from Milson and then punching away a free-kick taken by Fredy.

Both teams will play their final group-stage matches on Monday at 16:00 GMT, with Zimbabwe taking on South Africa in Marrakech and Angola facing Egypt in Agadir.

The outcome of this match means that either Egypt or South Africa will secure a spot in the knockout stage if one of them wins their Group B clash in Agadir on Friday at 15:00 GMT, marking the second round of the initial phase.

Crucial Clashes Await Group Underdogs

New Zimbabwe coach Mario Marinica had urged his team to demonstrate improved compactness and game management following their 2-1 defeat to Egypt in their opening match, where the Warriors led at halftime but ultimately lost due to a last-minute goal from Liverpool's Mohamed Salah.

Defender Divine Lunga and the prolific 35-year-old forward Musona, who returned to the national team in March after announcing his retirement in 2022, were among the fit players available against Angola. Winger Antonio and forward Macauley Bonne, who plays in England’s eighth tier for Maldon & Tiptree, also made their appearances.

Antonio squandered a promising early opportunity by shooting high over the goal after advancing towards the net, while Dala also missed a good chance shortly thereafter.

Zimbabwe's injury woes continued as Cincinnati defender Teenage Hadebe had to be substituted for Brendan Galloway. Additionally, there was a delay in the first half as Marques received treatment and a head bandage following a clash of heads with Lunga.

Angola's coach Patrice Beaumelle, who was appointed in October and previously won the tournament as an assistant coach with Zambia in 2012 and Ivory Coast in 2015, saw his team come close to finding a late winner. They forced Zimbabwe to scramble clear after Arubi fumbled Milson's shot in the dying moments of the match.

With no winner emerging, both teams will need to pull off an upset in their final group-stage matches to secure a position among the four best-placed teams from the six groups in Morocco.

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