Veteran forward Knowledge Musona delivered a timely reminder of his quality as Zimbabwe secured a vital 1-1 draw with Angola in their Africa Cup of Nations clash played in Marrakesh on Friday.
Angola took the lead midway through the first half when Gelson Dala found the net, appearing to put his side firmly in control of the encounter.
However, just as the Warriors struggled to find inspiration, Musona stepped up in stoppage time before the break, netting a dramatic equaliser that shifted the momentum and earned Zimbabwe a precious point.
The result left both teams frustrated. Angola and Zimbabwe now trail Group B leaders Egypt and South Africa by two points, having already played an extra match, meaning qualification margins are tightening with only the top two assured of progressing to the knockout stage.
Zimbabwe had made a positive start and could have been ahead early, but Bill Antonio wasted a clear opportunity, firing wide from close range in front of a thinly populated stadium.
That lapse allowed Angola to settle and assert themselves. In the 24th minute, To Carneiro floated a clever pass over the defence, setting up Dala, who guided the ball past experienced goalkeeper Washington Arubi at his near post.
The Warriors responded with increased intensity, with Musona — recalled after missing the loss to Egypt — taking charge in attack. He rattled the defensive wall with a free-kick and later pulled another effort wide, prompting visible frustration from coach Marian Marinica on the sidelines.
Angola goalkeeper Hugo Marques, who continued playing despite a head injury that left him heavily bandaged, held firm for much of the half. But his resistance was broken deep into added time. Zimbabwe intercepted possession in midfield, surged forward, and released Musona through on goal.
The captain kept his composure, sliding a low shot between Carneiro’s legs and beyond Marques to restore parity.
The second half became increasingly open as both sides searched for a decisive goal. Angola relied on Marques’ sharp reflexes late on, with the 39-year-old producing an outstanding one-handed save to deny substitute Tawanda Chirewa 12 minutes from time.
Ultimately, neither team managed to find a winner, but for Zimbabwe, Musona’s decisive contribution ensured their Africa Cup of Nations campaign remains firmly on track.
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