Angola has announced its squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals, becoming the first team to reveal their selection for the tournament in the Ivory Coast.
Coach Pedro Goncalves unveiled a 23-player squad on Monday, despite earlier indications from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) that participating countries could name 27-strong squads.
Strikers Jeremie Bela and M’bala Nzola make a return to the squad. Bela, formerly with Birmingham City, last played for Angola two years ago, making his inclusion surprising due to limited playing time at Ligue 1’s Clermont Foot this season. Nzola, who plays for Fiorentina, had initially refused to play for Angola but has decided to return.
Notably absent from the squad is former Portugal international Helder Costa, who terminated his contract with Leeds United and hasn’t played this season. Another former Portugal international, Ivan Cavaleiro, who switched allegiance to Angola earlier this year, is also missing. Goncalves mentioned that Cavaleiro requested not to be considered due to injury struggles at French club Lille.
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Angola, placed in Group D, will kick off their AFCON campaign against Algeria on January 15, followed by matches against Mauritania and Burkina Faso.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Antonio Dominique (Etoile Carouge), Kadu (Oliveira Hospital), Neblu (Premiero Agosto)
Defenders: Eddie Afonso (Petro Atletico), Loide Augusto (Alanyaspor), Jonathan Buatu (Valenciennes), Tó Carneiro (Petro Atletico), Núrio Fortuna (Gent), Kialonda Gaspar (Estrela Amadora), Kinito (Petro Atletico)
Midfielders: Beni (Casa Pia), Estrela (Erzurumspor), Fredy (Eyupspor), Keliano Manuel (Estrela Amadora), Bruno Paz (Konyaspor), Show (Maccabi Haifa)
Forwards: Jeremie Bela (Clermont Foot), Gelson Dala (Al Wakrah), Zito Luvumbo (Cagliari), Mabululu (Al Ittihad), Milson (Maccabi Tel Aviv), Zine (AEK Athens), M’bala Zola (Fiorentina).
