Angola vs Zimbabwe Preview: Team News & Prediction
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It was a frustrating start to the 2025/26 CAF Africa Cup of Nations for Angola, and the same can be said for Zimbabwe, who nearly got a very memorable victory.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Matches will be televised across the Channel 4 network / USA – beIN Sports
How to watch online: UK – All 4 & Channel 4 Sport YouTube / USA – beIN Sports Connect & Fubo
Angola preview: Frustrated Angola
Having replaced Diego Goncalves in the Angolan dugout, Patrice Beaumelle is still trying to get Angola to play on the front foot and with a possession-based style of football, but they were left frustrated in their group stage opener the other day.
The Angolans went behind against South Africa via Oswin Appollis, before the experienced Show equaliser later on in the first-half. However, Burnley striker Lyle Foster pinched an opening game win for Bafana Bafana in the second-half.
Zimbabwe preview: Eventually beaten
Despite having a poor side, Zimbabwe nearly produced one of the bigger shocks in AFCON history the other day as they took the lead, and held on until mid-way through the second-half, against seven-time African champions Egypt.
At Stade Adrar in Agadir, the Zimbabweans opened the scoring for the southern Africans via a 20th minute Prince Dube strike. Egypt turned the game on its head, though, with their star talents, Omar Marmoush and Mohamed Salah, getting them the win.
Angola team news: Pedigree in the squad
Finding a way to cram all of the newer players into his side is a tough ask for Beaumelle, but the 3-1-4-2 does help, with Zito Luvumbo playing as a very advance right wing-back.
Predicted XI (3-1-4-2): Marques; Clinton Mata, Gaspar, Buatu; Show; Zito Luvumbo, Fredy, Maestro, To Carneiro; Dala, Nzola
Unavailable: Zini (Injured)
Questionable:
Zimbabwe team news: Midfield issues
Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder and Zimbabwe captain Marshall Munetsi was ruled out of the tournament a couple of weeks ago, while fellow midfielder Andy Rinomhota had to sit out of the opener against Egypt.
Predicted XI (4-1-4-1): Arubi; Murwira, Garananga, Takwara, Hadebe; Nakamba; Jalai, Fabisch, Dube, Msendami; Bonne
Unavailable:
Questionable: Rinomhota (Personal reasons)
Angola vs Zimbabwe prediction
Angola are firm favourites for this one. Zimbabwe did put up a bit of a tough test against Egypt, but there is far too much reliance on Luton Town defensive midfielder Marvelous Nakamba in the middle of the park. Angola cram the centre of the pitch and have a lot of technical talent beginning to find a groove together, so siding with Angola to get up and running is the way to go for this one.
Angola vs Zimbabwe tip: Angola to win
