Aliou Cisse celebrates first competitive win as Angola beat Malawi 3-1

Aliou Cisse secured his first official victory as Angola manager as the Palancas Negras defeated Malawi 3-1 in their CAN 2027 qualifying campaign.

The Senegalese coach, appointed in the spring after a difficult spell in charge of Libya, saw his side make a fast start at the Estadio 11 de Novembro, taking the lead after only two minutes through Milson.

Mabululu added a second in the 38th minute after an impressive team move, putting Angola in control before half-time. Malawi were given hope when Kialonda Gaspar scored an own goal shortly before the interval, but the hosts did not allow the setback to change the outcome.

Substitute Miro had been on the pitch for only two minutes when he restored Angola’s two-goal advantage in the 70th minute, prompting celebrations inside the stadium.

The result extends Cisse’s unbeaten start after four matches in charge. Angola have now recorded two wins and two draws, scoring seven goals and conceding only two.

Angola’s performance was notable not only for the result but also for their attacking approach. They repeatedly looked to move forward, combine quickly and continue playing rather than simply protect their lead. Several well-worked passages of play were rewarded by the home crowd.

Malawi may not represent the toughest opposition Angola will face, but the victory carries added significance after the team drew away to Egypt, the side led by Mohamed Salah, a few days earlier. The four points leave the Palancas Negras level at the top of Group B with the Pharaons.

Cisse’s positive beginning in Angola contrasts sharply with the end of his previous international assignment. He left Libya after only a year, with the period affected in particular by serious salary problems. His ideas appear to have found a more receptive environment with Angola.

There are also early signs of similarities with the Senegal side Cisse guided for a long period. His tenure with the Lions was frequently criticised for the quality of the football, but he built a team that was extremely difficult to defeat. Senegal reached two CAN finals under his management before winning the first African title in their history.

It is too early to make a direct comparison with that era, but Angola’s initial displays offer encouragement. The team have defended well, conceded little and already shown an ability to manage difficult phases of matches.

Their next challenge will come in November, when they face South Sudan twice. Two positive results would represent an important early step towards qualification for CAN 2027.

After his experience in Libya, Cisse appears to have returned to the work he knows best: gradually building a solid international team before attempting to take it further.