Beaumelle: Chico Banza and Mabululu are Angola’s biggest threats to Egypt

Former Angola manager Patrice Beaumelle says Chico Banza and Mabululu will pose the greatest danger to Egypt when the sides meet in the opening round of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Egypt are due to face Angola and South Sudan on 25 and 29 September respectively, with the matches forming the first two games of their qualifying campaign.

Beaumelle, who previously managed Angola, came up against Egypt at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in the final match of the group stage.

“It will be a very exciting match in Group Two,” Beaumelle told FilGoal.com. “Playing Egypt in Cairo is always difficult. Even if you read that a large number of Angolan fans will attend, Egypt will have tremendous home support.

“Egypt have just returned from the World Cup, so they have an advantage because the players have been together recently.”

He said Angola had the ability to trouble Egypt, particularly through its attacking transitions.

“Angola are a good team with many talented players,” he added. “They can benefit from the experience of their leaders and the energy of their younger players. Angola are very dangerous in attacking transitions, so it should be a good match to watch.”

Beaumelle recalled his team’s performance against Egypt in 2025, despite the result.

“I faced Egypt at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations when I was Angola’s manager, and it was the final group match,” he said. “In my view, Angola played very well against the Pharaohs. Even though Egypt made several changes to their line-up, they remained an excellent team.”

He added: “I was disappointed with the result, but Angola played well. We should have been awarded a penalty, but the referee did not go to the video assistant referee, so I was sad.

“However, I ultimately felt positive because my feeling was that a new Angola team had been born.”

Beaumelle identified the strengths Egypt will bring to the match, warning that Angola must remain disciplined throughout.

“Egypt are a great team and have a lot of talent in every position,” he said. “They are dangerous when they have the ball, can build attacks and finish them inside the penalty area, and are also very good in attacking transitions and direct play.

“If Angola are to have a chance of beating Egypt, they must be clinical with their opportunities and remain compact without the ball. They cannot allow large spaces for the attacking players and must stay focused for the entire 90 minutes and beyond. Losing concentration against a team like Egypt will make you pay.”

“Chico Banza and Mabululu know Egypt well and can be dangerous,” Beaumelle said. “Zito Luvumbo, Randy Nteka, Kiliano, Beni Mukendi, Maestro and Gilberto can also make a difference.”

Beaumelle said Angola would need time to rebuild before competing consistently at the highest level in Africa.

“When I took charge, the objective was to rebuild a new team,” he said. “For many reasons, I decided to leave, but Angola need time to build a side capable of competing at the highest level in Africa. I am certain Angola will be among the teams at the next Africa Cup of Nations.”