Musona Rescues Zimbabwe In AFCON Draw With Angola

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As the second round of Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) group games began, Veteran Knowledge Musona scored as Zimbabwe rallied from a 1-1 deficit to draw 1-1 with Angola in Marrakech on Friday.

Gelson Dala and Musona both put Angola ahead in the opening period of play and recalled Musona’s powerful levelling late in the second half.

With only one match more to go, neither team could have benefited from a draw in Group B, which leaves them two points adrift of joint leaders Egypt and South Africa.

The knockout phase is automatically open to the top two finishers in each section. The top four of the six mini-leagues’ top four teams advance as well.

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On December 26, 2025, Angola’s #01 Hugo Marques jumps for the ball during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) Group B football match between Zimbabwe and Angola at Marrakech Stadium in Marrakech. (Photo by Khaled DESOUKI/AFP)

When Bill Antonio fired wide from close range in front of a small crowd in the center of the city, it was a good chance for Zimbabwe to take the lead early on.

After 24 minutes, Qatari striker Dala, who was based in Angola, quickly regained control and took the lead.

To Carneiro’s superb lobbed pass landed in front of Dala inside the box, and he stowed the ball between the near post and Washington Arubi, a goalkeeper, who was 40 years old.

After conceding to Egypt in Agadir with a score of 2-1, Musona, one of the four changes, started getting more involved as the Warriors searched for an equaliser.

Marian Marinica, the coach of Romania, was frustrated when Musona wasted a free-kick by smashing the ball into the defensive wall before sending it wide.

The 39-year-old Angolan goalkeeper had his head bandaged heavily before continuing after colliding with an opponent.

On December 26, 2025, during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) Group B football match between Zimbabwe and Angola at Marrakech Stadium in Marrakech, Alec Mudimu (L) reacts to Angola’s #16 Fredy. (Photo by Khaled DESOUKI/AFP)

At the end of the opening half, Musona’s perseverance paid off when he equalized six minutes into extra time.

Zimbabwe quickly counterattacked after Angola were taken out of midfield, and Musona was found inside the box by a superb pass.

He slammed the net into the left of Marques’ extended right leg while Carneiro’s legs were sluggish.

After 12 minutes of regular time, Marques acrobatic one-handed save from substitute Tawanda Chirewa saved Angola as both teams searched for a second goal and the lead.