Musona marks return as Warriors hold Angola in AFCON stalemate
Angola and Zimbabwe finally opened their accounts in Group B as talismanic forwards delivered in a gripping 1–1 draw at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Marrakech.
Angola struck first through Gelson Dala, who continued his Afcon scoring knack by lashing home from Tó Carneiro’s clever chipped pass to cap a sharp attacking move. The Brave Warriors hit back on the stroke of half-time when returning icon Knowledge Musona took down Bill Antonio’s driven pass with poise before finishing clinically.
After the restart, Zimbabwe goalkeeper Washington Arubi was called into action, reacting smartly at close range to deny Jonathan Buatu after David Carmo’s knockdown. At the other end, Angola’s Hugo Marques produced a fine stop to turn away Tawanda Chirewa’s effort, while Carmo made a crucial block to prevent Prince Dube from turning in the rebound.
Late pressure followed, with Arubi again prominent—first parrying Milson’s curling attempt, then punching clear Fredy’s dangerous free-kick—to ensure the points were shared.
Both sides return on Monday (16:00 GMT): Zimbabwe face South Africa in Marrakech, while Angola take on Egypt in Agadir. The stalemate leaves Group B finely balanced, with either the Pharaohs or Bafana Bafana guaranteed a knockout berth if they win their Friday showdown in Agadir (15:00 GMT).