Angola and Zimbabwe go head-to-head on Friday, December 26, 2025, as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations group stage continues with a crucial Group B encounter at the Stade de Marrakech in Morocco.
Both Southern African sides arrive under pressure following opening-day defeats and know that a positive result is vital in a group that also includes heavyweights Egypt and South Africa. With qualification hopes already on the line, Friday’s clash could prove decisive in shaping the group standings.
Match Preview
Angola will be looking to bounce back after a narrow 2-1 defeat to South Africa in their opening fixture. The Palancas Negras briefly restored parity through Show after conceding early, but a late strike from Lyle Foster sealed the win for Bafana Bafana.
That result extended Angola’s struggles in AFCON openers, with the side now failing to win nine of their 10 opening matches at the tournament. Their only opening-day victory came in 2012 against Burkina Faso. Historically, Angola have never progressed beyond the group stage after losing their first match, underlining the importance of avoiding another setback.
However, there is some encouragement for Patrice Beaumelle’s men. On the two previous occasions Angola lost their opening AFCON fixture — in 1996 and 2006 — they went on to draw their second match. They have also recorded three second-game wins after failing to win the opener, most recently at the 2023 edition against Mauritania.
Angola’s recent form has been mixed but promising, with three wins, two draws and one defeat in their last six competitive matches. They have also shown attacking intent, scoring at least three goals in each of their last three victories across all competitions.
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, also enter the contest searching for their first points after a 2-1 defeat to Egypt in their opening match. Second-half goals from Omar Marmoush and Mohamed Salah proved decisive, handing the Warriors their third consecutive opening-game loss at AFCON finals.
Progressing beyond the group stage has historically been a challenge for Zimbabwe, who have never won either of their first two matches at the tournament. All three of their AFCON victories have come in final group games, leaving them with little margin for error once again.
Despite the loss to Egypt, there were positives for Marian Marinica’s side, who have now scored in three consecutive AFCON matches, their longest scoring run at the finals. However, defensive frailties remain, with Zimbabwe yet to keep a clean sheet in AFCON history.
Head-to-Head
Angola and Zimbabwe are evenly matched historically, having met 19 times since their first encounter in November 1985. Both sides have claimed eight wins each, with three draws, highlighting how finely balanced this Southern African rivalry has been over the years.
Team News
Angola will be without forward Zini, who is sidelined through injury, but otherwise have a full squad available. Veteran midfielder Fredy is expected to play a key role once again after impressing against South Africa. The 35-year-old has been in outstanding form, contributing goals and assists consistently for both club and country, and remains central to Angola’s creative play.
Zimbabwe have received a significant boost ahead of the fixture, with Knowledge Musona, Sean Fusire and Divine Lunga all returning to full training after missing the Egypt match through injury. All three are expected to be available for selection.
However, there is concern over defender Munashe Garan’anga, who picked up a dead leg against Egypt and remains under medical assessment ahead of kick-off.
Possible Line-ups
Angola:
Marques; Mata, Gaspar, Buatu, T. Carneiro; Show, Luvumbo, Fredy; Maestro, Dala, Nzola
Zimbabwe:
Arubi; Murwira, Takwara, Hadebe, Lunga; Nakamba, Musona, Fabisch; Dube, Msendami, Navaya
Prediction
Angola 1-1 Zimbabwe
Both teams see this fixture as their best opportunity to collect points against a direct rival, and the stakes are likely to produce a tense, closely fought contest. With strengths and weaknesses on both sides, a draw appears the most likely outcome — a result that would keep qualification hopes alive as attention turns to the later clash between Egypt and South Africa.
