The second round of AFCON Group B saw two early underdogs, Angola and Zimbabwe, go head-to-head in a must-win clash after both sides suffered defeats in their opening matches of the tournament.

With qualification hopes on the line, victory would have significantly boosted either team’s chances of progressing to the knockout stage. Instead, the encounter ended in a 1–1 draw, leaving both nations with work still to do in the group.

All the key moments came in the first half. Gelson Dala opened the scoring for Angola, giving his side a much-needed lift. However, Knowledge Musona responded in style for Zimbabwe, finding the net to restore parity before the break.

The second half saw plenty of intensity but little reward, as both teams struggled to convert possession into clear-cut chances. The draw ultimately reflects a game defined by urgency rather than quality.

As AFCON Group B continues to unfold, this result keeps both Angola and Zimbabwe alive, setting up a tense battle in the final round of group fixtures.

2025 Africa Cup of Nations

Angola - Zimbabwe 1:1 (1:1)
Goals: Gelson Dala, 24 (1:0); Musona, 45 (1:1)

Angola: Marques; Buatu J.; Mata C.; Carmo; То; Show (Muanza, 80); Beni (Luvumbo, 59); Nzola (Mabululu A., 67); Gelson Dala (Milson, 80); Benson (Nteka, 59); Fredy R.
Substitution: Nteka (from 59); Luvumbo (from 59); Mabululu A. (from 67); Muanza (from 80); Milson (from 80)
Bench: Antonio S.; Неблу; Fortuna N.; Gaspar; Afonso; Bondo; Balbudia; Modesto; Papel; Banza Ch.
Yellow Cards: Show 4; Luvumbo 76; Muanza 83

Zimbabwe: Arubi; Takwara; Lunga; Hadebe (Galloway, 37); Jalai; Fabisch; Antonio B. (Chirewa, 58); Nakamba; Dube P.; Bonne (Navaya, 89); Musona (Wadi, 58)
Substitution: Galloway (from 37); Chirewa (from 58); Wadi (from 58); Navaya (from 89)
Bench: Chipezeze; Mapisa; Fusire; Murwira; Mauchi; Mudimu; Padera; Msendami; Maswanhise; Chakuchichi; Zindoga
Yellow Cards: Lunga 38; Dube P. 49; Fabisch 61; Wadi 82