Angola head coach Patrice Beaumelle has officially released his final 28-man squad for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, ending weeks of anticipation and outlining his ambition to guide the Palancas Negras to their best-ever continental performance.
The announcement confirms Beaumelle’s strategic shift toward a faster, more dynamic team as Angola prepare for a challenging Group B alongside South Africa, Zimbabwe and Egypt, all contenders with strong tournament pedigrees.
Bold selections as veteran names miss out
Several established players, including Bastos, Gilberto and Andrade, were left out of the final list. Their exclusion signals Beaumelle’s commitment to renewal and tactical evolution, blending experienced internationals with rising talents.
The Frenchman has made it clear: Angola’s goal is to surpass the quarter-final mark for the first time in their history. The team previously reached the last eight in 2008, 2010 and again in 2023.
Luvumbo, Dala and Mabululu headline Angola’s attacking strength
Angola’s offensive unit looks particularly potent this year. Zito Luvumbo, Gelson Dala, Mabululu, Mbala Nzola and Randy Nteka form a well-balanced frontline capable of destabilizing even the most structured defences.
In midfield, the experience of Show, Fredy, Maestro and Beni Mukendi will offer both control and creativity, essential for Angola’s ambitions in a difficult group.
A fortified defence led by Mata and Carmo
Beaumelle has assembled a solid defensive block featuring Clinton Mata, David Carmo, Núrio Fortuna, Gaspar and Buatu. Their leadership will be crucial when Angola open against a high-tempo South Africa side on 21 December in Marrakech.
Three goalkeepers: Neblú, Hugo Marques and Dominique , complete the list.
Final preparations: Portugal camp and key friendlies
Angola began their AFCON build-up with a 10-day training camp in Portugal (8–18 December), featuring friendlies against DR Congo (13 December) and Mozambique (16 December).
As part of their Morocco-based preparation, Angola will play three key warm-up matches before entering Group B action:
- 22 December: vs South Africa
- 26 December: vs Zimbabwe
- 29 December: vs Egypt
These tests are expected to help Beaumelle refine his tactical approach before facing one of the toughest groups in the tournament.
A demanding Group B awaits
Angola’s schedule:
- 21 December: Angola vs South Africa
- 26 December: Angola vs Zimbabwe
- 29 December: Angola vs Egypt
With renewed energy and confidence from their recent quarter-final run, the Palancas Negras will compete in Morocco with the clear objective of redefining their place in African football.
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: CAFOnline.com
