Angola’s national team coach Pedro Gonçalves has announced a 27-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Libya and Cape Verde.
The Palancas Negras will travel to Benghazi on March 20 before hosting Cape Verde in Luanda five days later.
With Angola sitting fourth in Group D with six points, these matches will be decisive in their push for a historic qualification.
The squad features notable inclusions, including the first call-up for Afimico Pululu, the return of Beni Mukendi, and the surprising omission of Kaporal, the top scorer in Angola’s domestic league.
Pululu’s first call-up strengthens attack
One of the biggest talking points is the first-ever selection of Afimico Pululu, a 24-year-old winger currently playing for Jagiellonia Bialystok in Poland.
Born in Angola but raised in Switzerland, Pululu previously played for FC Basel and Greuther Fürth before moving to Poland.
His pace and dribbling ability could provide a fresh attacking option alongside established forwards Gelson Dala and M’Bala Nzola.
Mukendi returns to midfield
Another key highlight is the return of Beni Mukendi. The Vitória SC midfielder had been absent since Angola’s 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign, but now makes a comeback to reinforce a midfield that will be crucial in the qualifiers.
Known for his technical ability and tactical awareness, Mukendi could be vital in controlling possession and dictating the tempo against tough opponents like Libya and Cape Verde.
Kaporal’s omission sparks debate
The most controversial decision in Gonçalves’ squad is the omission of João “Kaporal” Chingando Manha, who currently leads the Angolan league’s top scorers chart.
The Petro de Luanda striker had been widely expected to make the squad, given his impressive domestic form.
However, Gonçalves has opted not to include him, a decision that has already sparked debate among fans and analysts.
The coach has yet to publicly explain this choice, but speculation suggests it could be due to tactical preferences or off-field factors.
A must-win doubleheader for Angola
With only two points separating Angola from first place, the Palancas Negras must secure strong results to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
Libya (2nd, 7 points) and Cape Verde (3rd, 7 points) are direct competitors, while Cameroon (1st, 8 points) remains narrowly ahead.
A positive result in Benghazi would boost Angola’s confidence heading into their home match, where they will aim to capitalize on home support at the November 11 National Stadium.
Angola’s quarter-final finish at AFCON 2024 proved they are a rising force in African football.
With a balanced squad mixing experience and young talent, Gonçalves’ team will be expected to deliver when it matters most.
Full squad list for Angola
Goalkeepers:
- Neblú (1º de Agosto – Angola)
- António Dominique (Étoile Carouge – Switzerland)
- Nsesane Simão (Sagrada Esperança – Angola)
Defenders:
- António Hossi (Petro de Luanda – Angola)
- Tó Carneiro (FAR Rabat – Morocco)
- Bastos (Botafogo – Brazil)
- Clinton Mata (Olympique Lyon – France)
- David Carmo (Olympiacos – Greece)
- Joaquim Balanga “Kinito” (Petro de Luanda – Angola)
- Kialonda Gaspar (Lecce – Italy)
- Pedro Bondo (Famalicão – Portugal)
- Sandro Cruz (Gil Vicente – Portugal)
Midfielders:
- Fredy Ribeiro (Bodrumspor – Turkey)
- António Muanza “Maestro” (Adana Demirspor – Turkey)
- Benedito Mukendi “Beni” (Vitória SC – Portugal)
- Domingos Andrade (FC Porto – Portugal)
- Manuel Keliano (Estrela Amadora – Portugal)
Forwards:
- Afimico Pululu (Jagiellonia Bialystok – Poland)
- Ambrosine Salvador “Zine” (Lavadiaikos – Greece)
- André Vidigal (Stoke City – England)
- Mabululu (Al Ahly Tripoli – Libya)
- Deivi Vieira “Gilberto” (Petro de Luanda – Angola)
- Felício João “Milson” (Crvena Zvezda – Serbia)
- Chico Banza (Estrela Amadora – Portugal)
- Gelson Dala (Al-Wakrah – Qatar)
- M’Bala Nzola (Lens – France)
- Manuel Benson (Burnley – England)
Can Angola secure a historic World Cup spot?
Angola has only qualified for the World Cup once, in 2006, but this talented squad gives them a strong chance of returning to football’s biggest stage.
With key players like Mabululu, Gelson Dala, and Fredy leading the charge, Pedro Gonçalves’ team must seize this opportunity to push for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
