Zimbabwe frustrates Angola, Egypt progress to round of 16

Prince Mpumelelo Dube of Zimbabwe is challenged by Alfredo Kulembe Ribeiro during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations game between Angola and Zimbabwe at Marrakech Stadium in Morocco on 26 December 2025 ©Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix - Photo by Icon Sport

A vintage strike by Zimbabwe legend Knowledge Musona has helped the Warriors pump some life into their chances of progressing to the Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON) round of 16 following a 1-all draw against Angola.

Having lost their opening game 2-1 to Egypt, Zimbabwe were facing elimination when they went down to Angola in the 24th minute.

Gelspn Dala gave Angola the lead in the 24th minute in the COSAFA derby, much to the anguish of Zimbabweans.

However, Musona rolled back the years in the 45th minute when he benefited from a Bill Antonio pass to draw his side level ahead of their next showdown against nemesis South Africa.

Musona, who played no part in the loss to Egypt, reminded Zimbabwe’s Mario Marinica of his quality and will have the Romanian thinking twice in the game against Bafana Bafana.

The draw will come as a bitter result for Angola, who lost their opening game against South Africa and were hoping to get three points in this one.

The two teams now have a point apiece in Group B. In the other group fixture, Egypt beat South Africa 1-0 to progress to the next round of the tournament.

Group B final fixtures will see South Africa take on Zimbabwe while Egypt will face Angola, for a place in the last 16.