After missing out on the 2015 and 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, Angola makes its return to the continent’s premier tournament in 2019. The team enjoyed a near-perfect qualifying campaign, finishing top of Group I, securing its eighth AFCON appearance.
Nicknamed the Palancas Negras (Black Antelopes), Angola has yet to win the Africa Cup of Nations, with its best performances coming in 2008 and 2010 when the team reached the quarter-finals. Under the guidance of Serbian coach Srdjan Vasiljevic, who took over in December 2017 from Brazilian Beto Bianchi, the squad has regained competitiveness and stability after years of inconsistency.
The current generation of Palancas Negras no longer features veterans of the 2000s like Fabrice Akwa, Flavio, and Zé Kalanga. Instead, the team relies on experienced players such as Landu Mavanga, Dani Massunguna, Bastos Quissanga, and Mateus Galiano, who were part of the 2013 AFCON squad.
Drawn into Group E, Angola will face stiff competition from Mali, Tunisia, and Mauritania. Their campaign opens against Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles on Monday, June 24, at 5:00 PM GMT, marking the start of their attempt to make an impact in Egypt.
