Angola head coach Patrice Beaumelle has named his final 28-man squad for the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to be held in Morocco from 21st December until 18th January.
The Palancas Negras are in Group B, campaigning against South Africa, Zimbabwe and Egypt.
Despite expectations, seasoned figures including Bastos, Gilberto and Andrade were not included in the final list.
The French coach has opted for a balanced group that blends experienced internationals with emerging talents, reinforcing his ambition to go beyond the quarter-final stage for the first time in the country’s history.
Angola will rely heavily on the potency of Gelson Dala, Zito Luvumbo, Mbala Nzola, Mabululu and Randy Nteka as they aim to break down some of the tournament’s strongest defences.
The forward line is one of Angola’s most experienced units and is expected to be central to their hopes of progressing deep into the competition.
In midfield, influential figures such as Show, Fredy, Maestro and Beni Mukendi will anchor the team, providing stability and creativity in equal measure.
Clinton Mata and Carmo strengthen a seasoned defence.
At the back, Beaumelle has selected a robust set of defenders, including Clinton Mata, David Carmo, Núrio Fortuna, Gaspar and Buatu.
Their experience will be crucial as Angola open their AFCON campaign against a fast, aggressive South Africa side on 21 December in Marrakesh.
Beaumelle has also named three goalkeepers — Neblú, Hugo Marques and Dominique — with competition expected to remain open until the final days of preparation.
Angola’s preparations began with a 10-day training camp in Portugal from 8 to 18 December, where the team played warm-up matches against DR Congo (13 December) and Mozambique (16 December).
Additional friendlies have also been scheduled as part of the final phase of preparation.
The Palancas Negras are set for three more matches in Morocco before their AFCON opener:
Angola begin their AFCON journey against South Africa on 21 December, before facing Zimbabwe on 26 December and Egypt on 29 December.
With momentum from their quarter-final run in 2023 and Beaumelle’s refreshed squad, the Palancas Negras travel to Morocco with measured confidence—and the ambition to write a new chapter in their football history.
Angola have never won the tournament, with their strongest performances being quarter-final appearances in 2008, 2010 and the last edition in Cote d’Ivoire.
Angola’s final 28-man squad for AFCON 2025
Goalkeepers:
Neblú, Hugo Marques, Dominique
Defenders:
Rui Modesto, Eddie Afonso, Tô Carneiro, Núrio Fortuna, Pedro Bondo, David Carmo, Buatu, Gaspar, Clinton Mata
Midfielders:
Beni Mukendi, Show, Fredy, Maestro, Kelliano, Mário Balbúrdia
Forwards:
Zito Luvumbo, Manuel Benson, Milson, Chico Banza, Gelson Dala, Randy Nteka, Ary Papel, Mabululu, Mbala Nzola, Zine
