Chico Banza named in Angola squad for Egypt clash in 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying

Zamalek winger Chico Banza has been included in Angola’s squad for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Angola manager Aliou Cisse has selected 16 overseas-based players for the matches against Egypt and Malawi during the September and October international breaks.

Real Mallorca forward Zito Luvumbo is among the leading names in the squad, while former Al Ittihad Alexandria striker Cristovao Mabouloulo has also been called up. Mabouloulo now plays for Wiliete.

The 31-year-old is Angola’s second-oldest selected player, behind 40-year-old goalkeeper Hugo Marques.

Angola, ranked 87th in the FIFA rankings, will visit Egypt on 25 August. The match will kick off at 22:00 at Cairo International Stadium.

The two teams met during the group stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with the game ending in a goalless draw. Egypt have never lost to Angola in eight previous meetings, recording four wins and four draws.

Angola squad

Goalkeepers: Hugo Marques (Petro de Luanda), Neblu (Petro de Luanda), Rui Homeni (Interclube de Luanda), Ikami (Cadiz).

Defenders: Kialonda Gaspar (Lecce), David Carmo (Olympiacos), Buatu (Gil Vicente), Sandro Cruz (Slovan Bratislava), Kinito (Petro de Luanda), Eddie Afonso (Petro de Luanda), Pedro Bondo (Famalicao), Neryo Fortuna (Petro de Luanda), Marsone (Dender), Fernando (Sagrada Esperanca).

Midfielders: Show (Kocaelispor), Benny Mukendi (Vitoria de Guimaraes), Miro (Dynamo Makhachkala), Keliano (Akhmat Grozny), Mario (Petro de Luanda), Chico Banza (Zamalek), Fredy (Primeiro de Agosto), Milson (Al Jazira).

Forwards: Cristovao Mabouloulo (Wiliete), Depu (Petro de Luanda), Randy Nteka (Rayo Vallecano), Zito Luvumbo (Real Mallorca), Zini (AEK Athens), Gilberto (Wiliete).