Angolan forward Gelson Dala will not join the national team for their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifying matches in November. The player, currently with Al-Wakrah SC in Qatar, is absent from the list of 25 called up by head coach Pedro Gonçalves for games against Ghana and Sudan on November 15 and 18, respectively.
The announcement of Angola’s squad for the final two days of qualifying came on Tuesday, November 5, with Gonçalves addressing the surprise omission of Dala, a prominent figure for the national team.
Speaking at a press conference, Gonçalves explained that Dala had informed him of his decision to remain with his club during the international break to follow a specific recovery program.
“Gelson Dala informed me in Spain that he has asked his club to allow him to stay on site [at Al-Wakrah SC] during the FIFA days for a recovery protocol that he has planned,” Gonçalves stated.
The 27-year-old forward, who recently contributed a goal and two assists in a Stars League match on November 1, reportedly requested to opt out of the November qualifiers to focus on his health and fitness.
Dala’s absence is notable as he has been a key player for the Palancas Negras, providing experience and a significant offensive presence.
His recent performances in Qatar further highlighted his importance, making the decision a point of public interest.
Nevertheless, Gonçalves has expressed understanding of Dala’s choice, underscoring the importance of the player’s well-being and his longer-term availability for future tournaments.
Angola’s position in the qualifiers, however, provides some flexibility regarding squad selection.
With four consecutive wins in the group stage, the Palancas Negras have already secured their place in the AFCON 2025 tournament, scheduled to take place in Morocco.
Currently sitting at the top of Group F with 12 points, Angola’s qualification allows them the opportunity to rest key players, including Dala, and focus on squad rotation in these final matches.
The squad called up by Gonçalves includes a mix of seasoned players and emerging talents, all aiming to maintain Angola’s perfect record in Group F.
With the team’s qualification confirmed, Gonçalves is expected to use the matches against Ghana and Sudan to test new tactical combinations and assess potential selections for the AFCON tournament.
Angola’s qualification campaign has been one of their most successful in recent years, showcasing a disciplined and cohesive team under Gonçalves’ guidance.
Dala has been integral to this effort, consistently delivering strong performances.
However, with qualification secured, his absence offers an opportunity for other players to step up in the remaining fixtures.
The Palancas Negras will face Ghana on November 15 before concluding their qualifiers against Sudan on November 18.
Both matches will provide the team with valuable preparation time as they look toward the continental tournament in Morocco next year, where they aim to compete at the highest level.
For Gonçalves, Dala’s absence serves as both a reminder of the physical demands on key players and a chance to deepen the national team’s options, ensuring they are prepared for the challenges that await in AFCON 2025.
