Angola’s preparations for the AFCON 2025 qualifiers have been hit by a setback with the announcement that Manuel Benson will be unavailable for their upcoming matches against Ghana and Sudan. The young winger’s absence, due to injury, leaves coach Pedro Gonçalves without one of his key players.
The Angolan Football Federation confirmed on Monday afternoon that Benson, who has seen limited action since the start of the Championship season with Burnley, will not participate in the qualifiers.
Having played only three minutes this season for his club, the 25-year-old international’s injury has forced him out of the squad.
With the withdrawal of Benson, the Palancas Negras will now proceed with their preparations for the crucial fixtures without him.
The team will begin their campaign with an away match against Ghana on September 5, followed by a home game against Sudan on September 9.
These fixtures mark the beginning of the qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Angolan Football Federation has yet to announce a replacement for Benson.
However, the national team has already assembled, with Show, Milson, and Nurium Fortuna joining the squad as they start their training for the upcoming qualifiers.
The team’s focus will be on regrouping and adjusting their strategy in light of Benson’s absence.
Angola’s campaign will be closely watched as they aim to secure a strong start in the qualifiers.
The challenge now for coach Gonçalves is to adapt his squad and find effective strategies to compensate for the loss of one of their promising young talents.
