Angola have turned to talented prospect Deivi Miguel, nicknamed ‘Gilberto’, after striker M’Bala Nzola’s shock Africa Cup of Nations rejection left them needing to rethink their attack.
Coach Pedro Goncalves moved swiftly to draft 20-year-old Gilberto into his squad ahead of the finals kicking off on January 13th in Ivory Coast.
The youngster now has a golden chance to announce himself on the big stage after Nzola, who plays club football in Italy, made himself unavailable citing family reasons.
Gifted attacker Gilberto will be eager to transfer his immense potential into end product at senior level as the tournament debutants aim to escape a tough Group D.
Angola have based themselves in Dubai to build chemistry and refine tactics before opening their campaign against favourites Algeria.
Quick, agile and blessed with exceptional balance, Gilberto has long been tipped for a bright future after impressing at youth level.
Now he gets an unexpected opportunity to ignite Angola’s maiden Afcon quest with his flair and creativity leading the attack.
Should the Kabuscorp prodigy sparkle amongst Africa’s elite, his rise could quickly accelerate beyond the domestic league.
With Nzola absent, Angola will lean heavily on the talented teen to guide their young squad towards what would be a monumental upset.
Gilberto now carries his nation’s attacking hopes after scoring two goals from seven caps since his debut last August.
His pace and ability to glide past defenders with ease can trouble any defence if he brings his exciting talent to the big stage.
Angola’s Portuguese boss will hope the eager starlet can translate his immense potential into goals and assists in Ivory Coast.
Gilberto has massive shoes to fill in replacing Serie A regular Nzola as the fulcrum of their forward play.
But if he can produce moments of magic fitting of his nickname, Angola may yet defy expectations on their Afcon bow.
