Late Twist in Marrakech as Angola Let Victory Slip Again
Angola Lead, Zimbabwe Refuse to Fold
Angola and Zimbabwe remain winless at AFCON 2025 after a tense 1–1 draw in Marrakech, a result that left both sides frustrated and under pressure heading into the final group games. Angola looked on course for a crucial three points after a strong opening spell, but a late first-half response from Zimbabwe ensured honours were even in Group B.
In a match defined by momentum swings and missed opportunities, neither side did quite enough to take control of their AFCON destiny.
Angola Strike First
Angola started with purpose and were rewarded in the 24th minute with a well-crafted opener. A perfectly weighted through ball from Tó Carneiro split the Zimbabwe defence, allowing Gelson Dala to stride into the box and calmly slot a right-footed finish into the bottom corner.
The goal reflected Angola’s early dominance, with their movement and intensity causing repeated problems for the Zimbabwe back line.
Late Punishment for Missed Chances
Despite controlling much of the half, Angola failed to extend their lead — and were punished in stoppage time. Zimbabwe struck on the counter in the 45+6th minute as Knowledge Musona broke forward and finished clinically from the right side of the box after a sharp assist from Bill Antonio.
The equaliser arrived at the worst possible moment for Angola, shifting belief and momentum just before the break.
Pressure Without Reward
The second half followed a familiar pattern. Angola monopolised possession, pushed higher and peppered the Zimbabwe penalty area with crosses and shots, but composure in the final third deserted them.
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, defended deep and threatened sporadically on the break, even looking capable of stealing the win late on as Angola overcommitted in search of a decisive goal.
Despite four minutes of added time, neither side found the breakthrough, leaving both teams still searching for their first win of the tournament.
With qualification hopes hanging in the balance, this draw felt like a missed opportunity — and one that could yet prove costly.
