Angola head coach Patrice Beaumelle has named his final 28-man squad for the CAF AFCON Morocco 2025, confirming the group that will attempt to deliver the Palancas Negras’ best-ever showing at the continental finals.
Beaumelle’s squad announcement ends weeks of speculation surrounding his final choices, with several notable absentees drawing attention as Angola prepare for a challenging Group B campaign against South Africa, Zimbabwe and Egypt.
Beaumelle makes bold choices as familiar names miss out
Despite expectations, seasoned figures including Bastos, Gilberto and Andrade were not included in the final list.
Their omissions underline Beaumelle’s confidence in a revamped, more dynamic squad heading into Morocco.
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.
Luvumbo, Dala and Mabululu headline attacking firepower
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 AFCON build-up: Portugal camp and four friendly matches
Angola’s preparations began with a 10-day training camp in Portugal from 8–18 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:
- 22 December: vs South Africa
- 26 December: vs Zimbabwe
- 29 December: vs Egypt
These fixtures will allow Beaumelle to fine-tune his tactical approach ahead of a demanding group schedule.
A tough test awaits in Group B
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 footballing 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
SOURCE: CAF ONLINE
