Draw With Angola Leaves Warriors On The Brink At AFCON

Zimbabwe’s hopes of reaching the knockout stages of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations are hanging by a thread after a 1–1 draw with Angola in their second Group B match on Friday.

Having lost 2–1 to Egypt in their opener, the Warriors went into the match knowing that only a win would boost their chances of progression. Instead, they were left to settle for a single point.

Zimbabwe made a lively start and came close inside the opening minute when Antonio crashed a shot against the crossbar.

Angola, however, gradually took control and were rewarded in the 24th minute when Gelson Dala broke through and squeezed a shot at the near post.

The Angolans continued to press, forcing a string of saves from goalkeeper Washington Arubi, while Zimbabwe were dealt a further blow when Teenage Hadebe was forced off through injury.

Just as it seemed the Warriors would head into the break behind, they found a crucial equaliser deep into first-half stoppage time.

Antonio deftly lifted the ball over two defenders to Knowledge Musona, whose superb first touch set him up to calmly place his finish into the far corner.

The second half was evenly contested, with both sides creating chances. Musona, Prince Dube and substitute Tawanda Chirewa tested the Angolan defence, while Arubi again proved decisive with several important saves.

Fabisch also went close late on with two efforts that narrowly missed the target.

Questions will be asked of Zimbabwe coach Marian Marinica’s selection decisions, particularly his choice to leave Daniel Msendami on the bench throughout, despite the winger being one of the Warriors’ standout performers against Egypt.

Motherwell forward Tawanda Maswanhise was also unused, despite his impressive scoring form in the Scottish Premiership.

Zimbabwe must now beat South Africa in their final group match on 29 December to keep alive any hope of progressing beyond the group stage.