Knowledge Musona Nets Equaliser for Zimbabwe in AFCON Stalemate Against Angola

Experienced striker Knowledge Musona found the net to help Zimbabwe recover from a deficit and earn a 1-1 draw against Angola in Marrakesh on Friday, as the second round of Africa Cup of Nations group stage games got underway.

Gelson Dala opened the scoring for Angola during the first half, but Musona drew his side level in the closing moments of stoppage time in that period.

The result in Group B did not favour either side, as both remain two points behind the joint leaders Egypt and South Africa, despite having completed an extra fixture.

The top two teams from each group progress directly to the knockout rounds, while the four highest ranked third placed outfits across the six groups also qualify.

Bill Antonio squandered a promising opportunity for Zimbabwe to take an early advantage when he fired over from near the goal line before a modest attendance in the city centre.

Angola soon regained composure, dominated possession, and went ahead after 24 minutes courtesy of forward Gelson Dala, who plays in Qatar.

A fine lofted ball from To Carneiro landed perfectly for Dala in the penalty area, allowing him to slot the ball past 40 year old custodian Washington Arubi and into the side of the net.

Musona, included among four alterations to the Zimbabwe starting eleven following their 2-1 defeat to Egypt in Agadir just four days earlier, grew more prominent as the Warriors pushed for a leveller.

He squandered a free kick by striking it into the wall, followed by a wayward shot, prompting visible irritation from Romanian manager Marian Marinica, who shook his head multiple times.

Angolas 39 year old keeper Hugo Marques required heavy bandaging to his head after clashing with an opposing player, yet he pressed on.

Musonas determination bore fruit six minutes into the additional time at the close of the first half, when he restored parity.

Following a turnover in the centre circle for Angola, Zimbabwe launched a rapid break, with an excellent pass setting up Musona inside the area.

He placed a low effort through the legs of Carneiro and beyond the desperate dive of Marques to find the bottom corner.

With both teams chasing a winner in the second half, Marques denied Angola a goal twelve minutes before full time, pulling off a spectacular one handed stop to thwart replacement Tawanda Chirewa.