Angola head coach Patrice Beaumelle has confirmed his final 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, naming a strong and experienced group as the Palancas Negras prepare for a demanding Group B campaign against South Africa, Zimbabwe and Egypt.
Beaumelle’s side open their tournament against Bafana Bafana on 22 December, before a crucial COSAFA derby against Zimbabwe on Boxing Day. They conclude the group stage with a heavyweight clash against record champions Egypt on 29 December.
Angola are yet to lift the AFCON trophy, but they have reached the quarter-finals three times — in 2008, 2010 and 2023 — and Beaumelle believes his blend of European-based talent and domestic steel could push them deeper this time around.
The squad includes attacking stars Zito Luvumbo, Gelson Dala, Mbala Nzola, Manuel Benson and Ary Papel, while seasoned internationals Clinton Mata, Buatu, Núrio Fortuna, Show and Fredy add stability to the spine of the team.