Veteran forward Knowledge Musona scored deep into first-half stoppage time as Zimbabwe came from behind to draw 1–1 with Angola on Friday in Marrakesh, as the second round of Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) group matches got underway.
Angola took the lead midway through the opening half through Gelson Dala, but the recalled Musona struck just before the break to restore parity.
The draw in Group B did little to help either side, leaving both teams two points behind joint leaders Egypt and South Africa, having played a match more. Only the top two teams in each group are guaranteed qualification for the knockout stage, along with the four best third-placed sides across the six groups.
Zimbabwe threatened early when Bill Antonio wasted a clear chance, firing wide from close range before a sparse crowd in the Moroccan city.
Angola soon settled and asserted control, breaking the deadlock in the 24th minute. A perfectly weighted lobbed pass from To Carneiro dropped into the path of Dala, who slotted the ball between the near post and the legs of 40-year-old goalkeeper Washington Arubi.
Musona, one of four changes to the Zimbabwe side following a 2–1 defeat to Egypt in Agadir four days earlier, gradually grew into the contest as the Warriors pressed for an equaliser.
He first squandered a free-kick by driving it into the wall, then dragged a subsequent effort wide, prompting visible frustration from Zimbabwe coach Marian Marinica on the touchline.
Angola goalkeeper Hugo Marques, 39, was forced to continue with heavy bandaging after a collision but remained influential.
Musona’s persistence was finally rewarded six minutes into first-half added time. After Angola lost possession in midfield, Zimbabwe broke quickly and a precise pass released Musona inside the penalty area. He guided a composed, low finish between Carneiro’s legs and beyond the outstretched right foot of Marques.
Both teams pushed for a winner in the second half, with Angola coming closest late on. Marques preserved the draw 12 minutes from time with an acrobatic one-handed save to deny substitute Tawanda Chirewa.
AFP
