Gelson Dala: Angola forward linked with surprise move to Cong An HCMC in Vietnam

Angola forward Gelson Dala, currently a free agent after leaving Al-Wakrah, is being linked with a move to Vietnamese champions Cong An HCMC in V.League 1.

The 29-year-old, who also holds Portuguese nationality, became without a club on 1 July 2026 following the end of his spell in Qatar, and Cong An HCMC are exploring the possibility of adding the centre-forward on a free transfer. Dala is valued at around 1.5 million, a figure that would underline the ambition of the Ho Chi Minh City club were they to secure his signature without a fee.

Dala has spent the last few seasons in the Qatar Stars League, where he produced a strong return for Al-Wakrah with 39 goals and 11 assists in 82 league appearances. He was also the leagues cup top scorer in 202122 with seven goals and later helped Al-Wakrah lift the Qatari League Cup in 2024, enhancing his reputation as a consistent attacking threat.

Before moving to the Gulf, the Luanda-born striker built his career in Portugal with Sporting, Sporting B and Rio Ave, where he was notably prolific in Liga Portugal 2, scoring 17 goals in 23 games. That exposure to European and Asian competition, including appearances in the Europa League qualifying rounds and the AFC Champions League Two, is understood to be part of his appeal to Cong An HCMC as they look to strengthen their frontline.

With Dala unattached and open to a new challenge, Cong An HCMC are monitoring the situation as they weigh up a potential offer for the experienced centre-forward.