Morten Soubak, the head coach of Angola’s women’s handball team, has announced the squad for the upcoming 24th Women’s Handball World Championship, set to take place in Japan from November 30th to December 15th, 2019. Angola will compete in Group A alongside Serbia, Norway, Cuba, the Netherlands, and Slovenia, facing a challenging lineup as the team aims to make its mark on the global stage.
Coach Soubak has carefully selected 16 players to represent Angola at the tournament, balancing experience and talent across all positions. The squad features three goalkeepers: Teresa Almeida, Helena de Sousa, and Amália Pinto, who will provide the last line of defense for the team. Their reliability and reflexes are expected to be crucial in Angola’s pursuit of strong performances against formidable opponents in the group stage.
In the back positions, the team will be led by Janeth Santos, Vilma da Silva, and Iracelma da Silva. These players are known for their tactical awareness, long-range shooting capabilities, and ability to orchestrate the team’s offensive play. They will play a pivotal role in breaking down opposing defenses and setting up scoring opportunities for Angola’s attackers.
The center positions, critical for both offensive coordination and defensive stability, will be manned by Albertina Kassoma, Liliana Venâncio, and Ruth João. Their vision, ball-handling skills, and leadership on the court are expected to anchor Angola’s strategy, linking the backs and wings efficiently while providing support in defense.
Angola’s wingers, Wuta Dombaxi, Aznaide Carlos “Zica,” Juliana Machado, and Magda Cazanga, bring speed, agility, and sharp finishing ability to the team. They will be key in executing fast breaks and exploiting the flanks, adding width and dynamism to Angola’s attacking game. Their pace and accuracy could prove decisive in matches against physically imposing teams such as Norway and the Netherlands.
Rounding out the squad, Natália Bernardo, Isabel Guialo “Belinha,” and Helena Paulo will also operate in the center positions, contributing to both attack and defense. Their versatility and experience will allow the team to adapt to different in-game situations, ensuring a balanced approach across all phases of play.
Coach Soubak’s selection reflects a careful mix of seasoned players and emerging talents, aiming to maintain Angola’s status as one of Africa’s top women’s handball teams. The players have trained intensively in preparation for the championship, focusing on team cohesion, tactical drills, and physical conditioning to face some of the strongest national teams in the world.
Angola’s presence in Group A presents both challenges and opportunities. Matches against Serbia, Norway, and the Netherlands will test the team’s resilience and skill, while contests against Cuba and Slovenia may provide chances to secure crucial points. The squad will rely heavily on its defensive solidity, quick transitions, and the leadership of key players to navigate the tournament successfully.
With the World Championship approaching, anticipation is high among fans and sports officials in Angola. The 16 selected players carry the hopes of a nation eager to see their team perform with distinction on the international stage. Coach Soubak’s choices reflect both ambition and confidence in his squad’s ability to compete at the highest level, setting the stage for an exciting and competitive tournament in Japan.
