These two nations have met 19 times to date, but this will be their first-ever clash at an Africa Cup of Nations.
Angola vs Zimbabwe preview
After both were beaten in their AFCON openers on Monday, who will get off the mark in Marrakesh? In the day's late kick off, Zimbabwe took a shock lead against Egypt, Prince Dube on target in Agādīr, but were ultimately beaten, with the Pharaohs' winner coming in injury time.
As a result, the Warriors have now won only one of ten Africa Cup of Nations matches since 2006, beating Guinea in Yaoundé back in 2022. In fact, Zimbabwe have never gone beyond the group stages at this competition, something Mario Marinică's team are seeking to change, but one feels as though they really must win this clash at Marrakesh Stadium to stand any chance of doing so.
As for Angola, they too were beaten 2-1 in their opener, defeated by South Africa, After Bafana Bafana broke the deadlock, Show equalised just before half time, but the favourites won it ten minutes from time.
The Black Sable antelopes actually made it to the quarter-finals at the most-recent AFCON, enjoying wins over Mauritania, Burkina Faso and Namibia before Nigeria ended their fairytale adventure. Nevertheless, before this, six of their eight appearances at the competition since debuting in '96 had resulted in group stage elimination. With Egypt and South Africa Group B's heavyweights, these two teams will feel this Boxing Day clash at Marrakesh Stadium is must win if they're going to advance.
Angola vs Zimbabwe head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 19.
- Angola Wins: 7. Draws: 4. Zimbabwe Wins: 8.
Angola team news
Given their impressive display against South Africa, there's little reason for Patrice Beaumelle to tinker much.
Monday's scorer Manuel Luís da Silva Cafumana, known as Show, will continue as part of the midfield trio, with Clinton Mata of Lyon in defence.
Angola predicted lineup vs Zimbabwe: (4-3-3): Marques; Mata, Buatu, Gaspar, Tó Carneiro; Show, Fredy, Maestro; Luvumbo, Gelson Dala, Nzola.
Angola player to watch vs Zimbabwe
Captain Fredy, who is 35 years old, will earn his 62nd international cap, hoping to add to his four goals for his country, two of which have come in 2025.
Zimbabwe team news
Marvelous Nakamba will continue to captain his country, likely to be deployed as part of Mario Marinică's back five again.
Elsewhere, Macauley Bonne of Maldon & Tiptree in England's eight-tier came off the bench at half time against Egypt, replacing Washington Navaya, so will he start this time?
Zimbabwe predicted lineup vs Angola: (5-2-3): Arubi; Murwira, Garananga, Nakamba, Takwara, Hadebe; Fabisch, Dube; Maswanhise, Bonne, Msendami.
Zimbabwe player to watch vs Angola
Tawanda Maswanhise has been on fire for Motherwell this season, scoring 12 goals for the Scottish Premiership side, so can he add to his solitary goal for Zimbabwe here?
Angola vs Zimbabwe prediction
This clash in Marrakesh on Boxing Day is unlikely to be a high-scoring thriller, given how crucial it is for both, but we give Zimbabwe the slight edge to pick up three crucial points: Angola 0-1 Zimbabwe.
Angola vs Zimbabwe FAQs - Africa Cup of Nations
How to watch Angola vs Zimbabwe in the Africa Cup of Nations on TV channel?
Angola vs Zimbabwe in the Africa Cup of Nations will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: 4seven
- USA: beIN SPORTS, fuboTV & Fanatiz USA
- Canada: beIN Sports Canada, fuboTV Canada & Fanatiz Canada
How to watch Angola vs Zimbabwe in the Africa Cup of Nations on live streaming?
Angola vs Zimbabwe in the Africa Cup of Nations will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Channel4.com & Channel 4 Sport YouTube
- USA: beIN SPORTS CONNECT & fuboTV
- Canada: beIN SPORTS CONNECT Canada & fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Angola vs Zimbabwe in the Africa Cup of Nations?
Angola vs Zimbabwe takes place on Boxing Day, Friday 26 December 2025, with kick off at 12:30 (GMT), 7:30 (ET) & 4:30 (PT).