Softfootball understands that Angola and Zimbabwe meet again at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Friday, with both sides already under pressure in Group B.
The game takes place at the Stade de Marrakech, and after opening defeats, neither team can really afford another slip. In a group that also includes Egypt and South Africa, points are starting to feel heavy this early.
Angola’s tournament didn’t begin the way they hoped. They were defeated 2–1 by South Africa in their opening match, a game that swung late.
When Angola loses the first game, it usually ends badly too, as they’ve never reached the knockout stage after starting with a defeat. Still, the second-group matches have been kinder to them in the past, and they’ve managed to respond before when under pressure.
Zimbabwe also started with a loss, a 2-1 defeat to Egypt. Goals from Omar Marmoush and Mohamed Salah decided the contest, marking the Warriors’ third straight opening-game defeat at AFCON. After the game zimbabwe shared a post about the match via their official X account.
They posted:
FT | The referee blows the final whistle, ending the battle between the Pharaohs and the Warriors.
Egypt 2 – 1 Zimbabwe
Progress beyond the group stage has been a struggle for years, and their record in second group matches doesn’t inspire much confidence either.
Zimbabwe have scored in each of their last three AFCON games, their best scoring run at the finals. Defensively, however, problems remain, with no clean sheets recorded at the tournament.
Team News
Angola will be without forward Zini due to injury, but otherwise has a full squad to choose from. Much of their hope rests on veteran midfielder Fredy, who is enjoying a remarkable season.
At 35, he’s producing numbers better than any previous campaign, and he looked like their most dangerous player against South Africa.
Zimbabwe has been boosted by the return of Knowledge Musona, Sean Fusire, and Divine Lunga, all of whom are back in training after missing the opener. There is still concern over defender Munashe Garan’anga, who picked up a dead leg against Egypt and remains under assessment.
Possible Lineups
Angola:
Marques; Mata, Gaspar, Buatu, T. Carneiro; Show, Luvumbo, Fredy; Maestro, Dala, Nzola
Zimbabwe:
Arubi; Murwira, Takwara, Hadebe, Lunga; Nakamba, Musonda, Fabisch; Dube, Msendami, Navaya
Softfootball’s Prediction
Both teams are chasing a first win, and that usually leads to a careful game. Angola may see more of the ball, but Zimbabwe won’t roll over. It feels like one of those matches where neither side does enough to pull away.
Prediction: Angola 1–1 Zimbabwe
