Angola and Zimbabwe lock horns on Friday afternoon at the Stade de Marrakech as Group B action continues at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
With both nations beaten in their opening fixtures, this encounter already carries significant weight in a group that also includes continental heavyweights Egypt and South Africa, leaving little margin for further setbacks.
Match preview
Angola come into their second group match searching for a response after a narrow 2-1 defeat to South Africa in their tournament opener, a contest in which they showed flashes of quality but were ultimately undone by a late goal.
The Palancas Negras responded well after falling behind early, with Show drawing them level, but Lyle Foster’s strike 11 minutes from time condemned Patrice Beaumelle’s side to yet another disappointing AFCON start.
That loss continued Angola’s poor record in opening matches at the finals, with just one win from 10 attempts, and history offers limited encouragement, as they have never advanced beyond the group stage after beginning a tournament with defeat.
Nevertheless, Angola have previously demonstrated an ability to steady themselves in second group fixtures, winning three such matches across nine appearances at the AFCON, including notable victories in 2008, 2010 and most recently in 2023.
Photo Credit: Imago
Their broader form heading into the tournament was respectable, with three wins, two draws and one loss from their last six competitive games, and the attacking signs were promising, having scored freely against Mauritius, Zambia and Mozambique in the build-up.
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, were beaten 2-0 by Egypt in their opening match, conceding twice in the second half as goals from Omar Marmoush and Mohamed Salah proved decisive.
That result marked the Warriors’ third straight opening-game defeat at the AFCON and underlined their long-standing struggles at the finals, where progress beyond the group phase has consistently proved elusive.
Zimbabwe have never won either of their first two matches at an AFCON tournament, with all three of their victories at the competition coming in final group games, while their overall record stands at 11 defeats from 16 matches.
This will be the 20th meeting between the Southern African rivals, with the head-to-head evenly balanced at eight wins apiece and three draws, reflecting the fine margins that often define encounters between the two nations.
Team news
Angola will again be without attacker Zini, who remains sidelined through injury and is not expected to feature at any point in the group stage.
Aside from that absence, Beaumelle has a near full-strength squad available, and continuity is expected after a largely encouraging performance against South Africa.
Much of Angola’s creative burden will fall on experienced midfielder Fredy, who continues to enjoy a remarkable season at club level and was a standout figure in the opening match.
The 35-year-old has already amassed nine goals and nine assists in Turkey’s second tier this season, surpassing his output from previous campaigns and offering leadership and invention in key areas.
Show is likely to retain his place in midfield after finding the net last time out, while Nzola is expected to continue as the focal point in attack.
Zimbabwe, by contrast, have received a timely boost, with Knowledge Musona, Sean Fusire and Divine Lunga all returning to full training after missing the defeat to Egypt due to injury.
Photo Credit: Imago
The Zimbabwe Football Association confirmed that all three players completed sessions without issues, giving Marian Marinica greater flexibility in both midfield and defence.
However, centre-back Munashe Garan’anga remains a doubt after suffering a dead leg in the opening game, and his fitness will be assessed closer to kick-off.
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Captain Marvelous Nakamba is expected to once again anchor the midfield as the Warriors look to avoid slipping further behind in the group standings.
Angola possible starting lineup
Marques; Mata, Gaspar, Buatu, T. Carneiro; Show, Luvumbo, Fredy; Maestro, Dala, Nzola
Zimbabwe possible starting lineup
Arubi; Murwira, Takwara, Hadebe, Lunga; Nakamba, Musona, Fabisch; Dube, Msendami, Navaya
With both teams keen to avoid a second consecutive defeat and aware of the consequences in such a demanding group, a cautious and evenly matched contest could develop.
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Angola may see more of the ball, while Zimbabwe’s returning players add stability, and a draw could prove a realistic outcome that keeps qualification hopes alive for both sides.
Prediction: Angola 1-1 Zimbabwe
