Angola cruised through AFCON 2025 qualifying, finishing unbeaten with 4 wins and 2 draws to top Group F. Their qualifying campaign got off to a flying start with an impressive 1-0 away win against Ghana, courtesy of a last minute winner from winger Felício Milson. Angola eventually clinched qualification in the reverse fixture against Ghana at home in Luanda, drawing 1-1. This will be Angola’s 10th appearance in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Angola’s last appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations came in 2023, where Palancas Negras were one of the surprise packages of the tournament. Angola topped their group and eventually reached the quarter-finals where they fell to finalists Nigeria, but played an exciting brand of football which caught the eye of many neutrals.
A strong showing at AFCON 2023, coupled with a strong qualifying campaign for AFCON 2025, meant expectations for Angola were reaching new heights heading into 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying. A disappointing run of results led to the dismissal of then head coach Pedro Gonçalves, who had been in charge since 2019. Though Gonçalves won’t be in charge at this years AFCON, his mark can be seen on the squad, particularly with his recruitment of dual-nationals in the past few years, including names such as David Carmo, M’Bala Nzola, Randy Nteka, and Manuel Benson.
In Gonçalves place steps French coach Patrice Beaumelle to lead Angola at this years Africa Cup of Nations. Beaumelle was only appointed on September 29th of this year, meaning he’s had limited time to get to know his squad and prepare for the tournament. But Beaumelle brings plenty of experience, particularly in the Africa Cup of Nations. Beaumelle won the Africa Cup of Nations as an assistant coach in 2012 with Zambia and in 2015 with Ivory Coast.
Angola are bringing a strong squad to this years tournament, and could be a dark horse for a deep run.
Potential Starting XI
Coach
Patrice Beaumelle
This is Beaumelle’s second head coaching job in Africa, having previously lead Ivory Coast at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
Players to Watch
Gelson Dala
Age: 29
Position: AM/LW/RW
Caps/Goals: 53/21
Club: Al-Wakrah SC (Qatar)
Gelson Dala is one of the most experienced players in the Angola squad, and their top goal scorer. A very gifted footballer, Dala can play anywhere across the front line as well in an attacking midfield role. Dala scored twice in the last Africa Cup of Nations.
Fredy
Age: 35
Position: CM
Caps/Goals: 66/4
Club: Bodrum FK (Türkiye)
Fredy has captained Angola since 2023, and at 35 his influence on and off the pitch is crucial for Angola. Fredy started all but 1 match in AFCON qualifying and now currently plays his club football in the second tier of Turkish football.
Angola Schedule
December 22, 2025 vs. South Africa – Marrakesh
December 26, 2025 vs. Zimbabwe – Marrakesh
December 29, 2025 vs. Egypt – Agadir
Country Information
Did you know…
Angola is home to the Giant Stable Antelope, which at one point was thought to be extinct before it was rediscovered in 2004. In Portuguese, the Giant Stable Antelope is known as Palancas Negras, the nickname of the Angola national team.
