High stakes in Marrakech as Angola and Zimbabwe chase first points

Second matchday, and already a sense of judgment. Beaten in their opening fixtures, Angola and Zimbabwe meet this Thursday at the Grand Stade de Marrakech in a contest that could prove decisive in the qualification race. In a group where margins are extremely fine, this encounter carries the feel of a knockout match, despite the early stage of the group phase at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.

Both teams delivered contrasting performances in their opening matches, yet a shared conclusion emerges: the quality of play was not always reflected in the result. Enough to fuel frustration, but also belief, ahead of this pivotal meeting.

Angola, between frustration and clarity

From the Angolan perspective, the opening defeat left a bitter taste. The Palancas Negras created several clear chances but failed to turn their dominance into goals. For head coach Patrice Beaumelle, however, there is no question of tearing everything up.

The Angolan coach has emphasised continuity and attention to detail. “We faced a solid team and showed good things. At this level, mistakes are punished immediately,” he said, stressing the importance of discipline and efficiency in decisive areas of the pitch.

Angola know that time for observation has passed. Without falling into haste, the team must now turn intention into execution. Mental strength and the ability to handle pressure will be crucial in a match that could shape the remainder of their tournament.

Defensive leader Jonathan Buatu shares that assessment. “We played against a very good team, unbeaten for a long time. That shows our performance was not poor. Now the important thing is to keep what we did well and correct our mistakes,” he explained, underlining the desire to restart on solid foundations.

Zimbabwe, fearless but with their backs to the wall

Across the pitch, Zimbabwe approaches the fixture with the same sense of urgency. Cruelly defeated in the final minutes of their opening match, the Warriors nevertheless displayed dynamic organisation and intensity capable of unsettling more experienced opponent.

For head coach Marian Marinica, the message is straightforward: move on without abandoning identity. “In this group, all teams still have a chance. The past is behind us; we must look forward,” he said, calling on his players to approach the match with courage and clarity.

The Romanian coach expects a fiercely contested encounter, aware that “in this type of match, one of the two teams will have to give way.” A reality accepted in a context where emotional management could prove decisive.
Captain and midfield leader Marvelous Nakamba embodies that mindset. “We are training well, we have analysed our first match and now everything is focused on this game. We want to give everything and get a positive result,” he said, bringing the focus back to collective commitment.

Pre-match quotes

Patrice Beaumelle – Angola- coach:

“This will be a crucial match for both teams. We have analysed Zimbabwe, a team with a new dynamic, a lot of movement and pace. They play without fear and we expect an open game.”

Jonathan Buatu – Angola defender:

“We looked at our mistakes, but also at what we did well. The objective is to bring those positive elements into the next match and be more effective.”

Marian Marinica – Zimbabwe head coach:
“This group is very balanced. We lost in the final minutes of the first match, but mentally we must move forward. The past is behind us.”

Marvelous Nakamba – Zimbabwe captain:
“The team is ready. We have worked, analysed our match and now we are focused only on Angola.”

Pre-match stats

Angola and Zimbabwe have met four times in AFCON qualifiers (1998 and 2013), with Angola progressing on each occasion. They also faced each other in the FIFA World Cup 2006 qualifiers, where both teams won their home matches before Angola secured qualification for the finals in Germany.
Across their last four meetings, Angola have recorded three wins, while Zimbabwe have one victory. Their first encounter dates back to 1985, in an international friendly won by Zimbabwe (3–2).