Angola and Zimbabwe ended in a 1-1 draw in a closely contested Match Round 2 of the Africa Cup of Nations. The clash between these two nations showcased a display of skill, determination, and resilience that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
The opening goal came at the 24th minute mark when Jacinto Muondo Dala of Angola found the back of the net with a clinical finish, giving his team the lead and sending the Angolan supporters into a frenzy. The goal was a testament to Dala’s composure and finishing ability, putting Angola in the driving seat early in the match.
However, Zimbabwe fought back valiantly and managed to equalize just before half-time. Knowledge Musona of Zimbabwe capitalized on a defensive lapse to score a crucial goal at the 45th minute, leveling the score at 1-1. The goal injected new life into the Zimbabwean side and set the stage for an intense second half.
Both teams pushed for a winner in the second half, creating several goal-scoring opportunities but ultimately failing to convert. Angola showed glimpses of their attacking prowess, with Dala leading the line with his sharp movements and creativity. On the other hand, Zimbabwe displayed resilience in defense and posed a threat on the counter-attack, keeping the Angolan defense on their toes.
As the final whistle blew, neither team could break the deadlock, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw. The result reflected the competitive nature of the encounter, with both teams deserving credit for their spirited performances on the pitch.
Overall, the match between Angola and Zimbabwe was a thrilling spectacle of African football, showcasing the talent and passion that the continent has to offer. Both teams will now shift their focus to their upcoming fixtures, aiming to secure vital points in their quest for Africa Cup of Nations glory.
- Angola will play with Egypt. December 29 at 16:00 (GMT), on Stade Adrar.
- Zimbabwe will play with South Africa. December 29 at 16:00 (GMT), on Stade de Marrakech.
Angola
- Hugo Miguel Barreto Henriques Marques (7.5)
- Clinton Mukoni Mata Pedro Lourenço (7.5)
- Jonathan Buatu Mananga (7.2)
- David Mota Veiga Teixeira Carmo (6.6)
- Augusto de Jesus Corte Real Carneiro (7)
- Benedito Mambuene Mukendi (6.9)
- Manuel Luís da Silva Cafumana (6.3)
- Benson Manuel Hedilazio (6.3)
- Alfredo Kulembe Ribeiro (7.2)
- Jacinto Muondo Dala (7.9)
- MBala Nzola (6.5)
Zimbabwe
Substitutions:
Angola
- Benson Manuel Hedilazio (Randy Nteka, 59)
- Benedito Mambuene Mukendi (Zito André Sebastião Luvumbo, 59)
- MBala Nzola (Agostinho Cristóvão Paciência, 67)
- Jacinto Muondo Dala (Felício Mendes João Milson, 80)
- Manuel Luís da Silva Cafumana (António Simão Muanza, 80)
Zimbabwe
- Teenage Lingani Hadebe (Brendan Joel Zibusiso Galloway, 37)
- Bill Leeroy Antonio (Tawanda Chirewa, 58)
- Knowledge Musona (Ishmael Wadi, 58)
- Macauley Miles Bonne (W. Navaya, 89)
Ball possession:
In a thrilling encounter between Angola and Zimbabwe, the ball possession tilted significantly in favor of the Angolan side, with a dominant 63% compared to Zimbabwe’s 37%. The match showcased a fierce battle for control of the midfield, with Angola showing excellent composure and ball retention throughout the game.
Angola’s attacking prowess was on full display as they managed to produce 15 shots on target, with 6 of those testing the Zimbabwean goalkeeper. Jonathan Buatu Mananga emerged as a standout performer for Angola, constantly threatening the opposition goal with his sharp shooting and attacking runs.
On the other hand, Zimbabwe fought valiantly in the face of Angola’s offensive onslaught, mustering 17 shots on target, albeit only 4 finding their mark on goal. Prince Mpumelelo Dube stood out for Zimbabwe, displaying clinical finishing and creating dangerous opportunities in the final third.
Despite the disparity in possession, both teams exhibited determination and skill in front of goal, keeping the fans on the edge of their seats throughout the match. The contrasting styles of play and strategic approaches added an exciting dynamic to the encounter, culminating in a riveting contest that showcased the best of African football talent.
As the final whistle blew, Angola’s superior ball possession and precision in front of goal proved decisive, securing them a hard-fought victory over a resilient Zimbabwean side. The match served as a testament to the competitive nature of football in the region, leaving fans eagerly anticipating future clashes between these two talented teams.
Passes:
In a thrilling encounter between Angola and Zimbabwe, passing accuracy proved to be a decisive factor on the field. Clinton Mukoni Mata Pedro Lourenço showcased his skill with a pass accuracy of 74% from a total of 54 passes, while Marvelous Nakamba of Zimbabwe displayed exceptional precision with an impressive pass accuracy of 91% from 23 passes.
Despite the accuracy displayed by both players, it was the Angolan midfielder, Clinton Mukoni Mata Pedro Lourenço, who stood out with 2 key passes, highlighting his ability to create opportunities for his team. On the other hand, Jonah Reinhard Fabisch of Zimbabwe showed his vision and creativity with 3 key passes, contributing significantly to his team’s attacking prowess.
The match was a true display of talent and strategy, with both teams utilizing their passing ability to control the game. Ultimately, it was the combination of accuracy and key passes that played a crucial role in shaping the outcome of this exciting fixture.
As the final whistle blew, Angola and Zimbabwe left the field with heads held high, knowing that their performance in terms of passing accuracy had not gone unnoticed. It was a match that will be remembered for the impressive display of skill and precision showcased by these talented players.
Defense:
In a tightly contested match between Angola and Zimbabwe, both teams displayed resolute defensive performances, showcasing their prowess in interceptions and blocks. The clash witnessed a total of 19 interceptions and 6 blocks, underlining the defensive tenacity on display.
Angola’s defensive stalwart, Benedito Mambuene Mukendi, stood out with 4 interceptions and 1 block, exemplifying his ability to read the game and disrupt Zimbabwe’s attacking play. Mukendi’s astute positioning and timely interventions thwarted several promising Zimbabwean attacks, earning him the title of interception leader for his team.
On the Zimbabwean side, Emmanuel Jalai was a formidable presence in defense, tallying 2 interceptions and contributing significantly to his team’s total of 6 interceptions. Jalai’s disciplined defending and sharp anticipation were instrumental in frustrating Angola’s attacking endeavors.
In terms of blocks, Brendan Joel Zibusiso Galloway emerged as a key figure for Zimbabwe, recording 2 crucial blocks to deny Angola scoring opportunities. Galloway’s resolute defending and willingness to put his body on the line epitomized Zimbabwe’s defensive resilience throughout the match.
Overall, both teams showcased their defensive prowess through a combination of interceptions and blocks, highlighting the importance of solid defensive foundations in high-stakes encounters. The battle for supremacy in defense added an intriguing dimension to the match, ultimately culminating in a hard-fought contest between Angola and Zimbabwe.
Face-to-face:
In a thrilling clash between Angola and Zimbabwe, the intensity on the pitch was palpable as both teams battled for supremacy. The face-to-face duels for the ball were a key highlight of the match, with standout performances from Jonathan Buatu Mananga of Angola and Prince Mpumelelo Dube of Zimbabwe.
Jonathan Buatu Mananga displayed exceptional determination and skill, engaging in a total of 10 face-to-face fights for the ball throughout the match. His tenacity and ability to disrupt the opposition’s play were instrumental in Angola’s efforts to gain control of the game.
On the other side, Prince Mpumelelo Dube of Zimbabwe put in a spirited performance, engaging in 8 face-to-face duels for the ball. His relentless pursuit of possession and defensive prowess proved crucial for Zimbabwe’s defensive efforts and counter-attacking opportunities.
The battle between these two players encapsulated the competitive spirit of the match, with both teams showcasing their resilience and determination to secure a positive result. Despite the intense competition, fair play and sportsmanship were maintained throughout the game, reflecting the values of camaraderie and mutual respect in football.
In the end, Angola emerged victorious, thanks in part to the impactful contributions of Jonathan Buatu Mananga. His ability to dominate the face-to-face duels for the ball played a significant role in Angola’s success on the day. However, Prince Mpumelelo Dube’s commendable performance for Zimbabwe should not go unnoticed, as he showcased his skill and determination in a hard-fought contest.
Overall, the match between Angola and Zimbabwe was a showcase of high-quality football, characterized by intense battles for possession and moments of individual brilliance. The performances of Jonathan Buatu Mananga and Prince Mpumelelo Dube added an extra layer of excitement to the game, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
Fouls:
Yellow cards:
- Manuel Luís da Silva Cafumana (Angola) at 4 minute
- Zito André Sebastião Luvumbo (Angola) at 76 minute
- António Simão Muanza (Angola) at 83 minute
- Divine Lunga (Zimbabwe) at 38 minute
- Prince Mpumelelo Dube (Zimbabwe) at 49 minute
- Jonah Reinhard Fabisch (Zimbabwe) at 61 minute
- Ishmael Wadi (Zimbabwe) at 82 minute
The last five games (including this match):
- Angola – L
- Zimbabwe – L
Top 5 Africa Cup of Nations scorers:
- Nicolas Jackson (2, Senegal)
- Prince Mpumelelo Dube (2, Zimbabwe)
- Mohamed Elias Achouri (2, Tunisia)
- Riyad Karim Mahrez (2, Algeria)
- Denis Lukambi Omedi (1, Uganda)
Line-ups:
Next games:
- Angola will play with Egypt. December 29 at 16:00 (GMT), on Stade Adrar.
- Zimbabwe will play with South Africa. December 29 at 16:00 (GMT), on Stade de Marrakech.
