Angola vs Zimbabwe: Qualification Hopes Hinge on Pivotal Matchday 2 Clash

Angola seeking instant response after frustrating opening loss

Angola will feel that they perhaps deserved more in their 2025 African Cup of Nations Group B opener against South Africa. In a tough, physical match which saw Angola record the most fouls (23) in an AFCON match since 2010, a late moment of magic from Burnley’s Lyle Foster saw Bafana Bafana walk away with a 2-1 victory.

However, Angola gave a very good account of themselves. The Black Sable Antelopes recorded 0.89 expected goals to South Africa's 0.44 xG and created 2 clear cut chances while conceding only 1. They now come in as the favourites to win this game against Zimbabwe and must put the frustrations of the South Africa loss behind them.

Angola still have a real chance at qualification, either as the second place team or as one of the best third-place teams. With a Matchday 3 fixture against one of the tournament favourites in Egypt looming, a draw wouldn’t do Angola much good here. Historically, four points is a safe bet for qualification as a third-place team, although three points has also been enough on occasion. See what our experts think of this matchup in our Angola vs Zimbabwe prediction.

This is Angola’s 10th appearance in AFCON. There were high hopes for the Red Devils after making the quarter-finals in 2023 and topping their AFCON qualifying group with four wins and two draws in six games.

Angola AFCON history

• Appearances: 9 (prior to 2025)
• Group stage exits: 6
• Quarter-finals: 3 (2008, 2010, 2023)

More on AFCON 2025

Zimbabwe defensive resilience undone by Salah magic

Zimbabwe were minutes away from getting a fantastic point against heavily-favoured Egypt, before Mohamed Salah became the Pharaohs’ saviour with a 90+1’ stoppage time winner. The Warriors took the lead in the 20th minute and then tried to close up shop and weather the Egyptian storm.

It almost proved successful for a point that would have set them up nicely for this clash against Angola. Instead, they come in as the underdogs knowing that they will likely have to get a result here ahead of their Matchday 3 meeting with South Africa.

It’s been a tough lead up to the 2025 African Cup of Nations for Zimbabwe. They're having to make due without their nation’s best player at the moment in Marshall Munetsi. The Wolves midfielder has been dealing with an injury which has kept him out since the beginning of December.  The experienced Khama Billiat, who has scored 15 goals for Zimbabwe in 35 appearances, was also left out of the squad.

Zimbabwe AFCON history

• Appearances: 5 (prior to 2025)
• Group stage exits: 5

Key matchup: Fredy and Nakamba battle for midfield control

The midfield battle will be crucial in this game. Expect Angola to have the majority of the ball and look to play on the front foot. Zimbabwe will focus on a solid, organised defensive structure and try to hit their opponents on the counter. Keep in mind that you can follow along with the action as it unfolds with our AFCON 2025 Livescores tool, which includes statistics tracking and team information.

Angola midfielder Fredy has racked up 4 assists in his last 4 AFCON matches and proved to be the key man against South Africa. Angola’s best moves were funneling through the 35-year-old and he assisted the goal for Show via an in-swinging wide free kick. 

Fredy recorded the most touches on the team at 60, as well as the most passes into the final third for Angola (9). Looking to stop him in his tracks will be defensive-minded midfielder Marvelous Nakamba. The former Aston Villa man, now plying his trade for Luton Town in League One, is one of the team’s most experienced players and captained the side against Egypt.

Fredy vs Nakamba: Matchday 1 stats

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