Pululu receives maiden call-up as Angola announces squad for World Cup qualifiers.

Angola's Palancas Negras Gear Up for Crucial World Cup Qualifiers

The Angolan national football team, known as the Palancas Negras, will face Libya in Benghazi on March 20 before returning to Luanda to host Cape Verde on March 25 in a decisive doubleheader for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

Pululu Adds Firepower to Angola's Attack

Afimico Pululu, a 24-year-old winger currently playing for Jagiellonia Bialystok in Poland, has been called up to bolster Angola's attacking options. Born in Angola but raised in Switzerland, Pululu previously played for FC Basel and Greuther Fürth before moving to Poland. His speed and dribbling skills provide an additional threat to Angola's attack, complementing key players like Gelson Dala and M’Bala Nzola.

Mukendi Returns to Strengthen Midfield

Beni Mukendi, a midfielder for Vitória SC in Portugal, has been recalled to the squad after missing Angola's 2023 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign. Known for his technical skills and tactical awareness, Mukendi's return adds depth to Angola's midfield, which also includes Fredy Ribeiro and António Muanza. His presence will be vital in controlling the tempo against tough opponents like Libya and Cape Verde.

Controversial Omission of Kaporal

The exclusion of João "Kaporal" Chingando Manha has sparked debate among fans. The Petro de Luanda striker, who currently leads the Angolan league in goals, was left out of the squad despite expectations of his inclusion. While coach Gonçalves has not publicly explained the decision, speculation points to tactical reasons or other non-footballing factors.

Angola's World Cup Hopes on the Line

With six points from three matches, Angola sits fourth in Group D, two points behind leaders Cameroon (8 points) and trailing Libya and Cape Verde, who both have seven points. These upcoming matches are crucial for Angola's hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. A strong performance in Benghazi could set the stage for a decisive home game in Luanda, where the Palancas Negras will aim to leverage the support of their fans at the November 11 National Stadium.

Angola last appeared at a FIFA World Cup in 2006, and the current squad, led by key players like Mabululu, Gelson Dala, and Fredy Ribeiro, is determined to make history by securing a spot in the 2026 tournament.

Full Squad:

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)

The Palancas Negras are ready to fight for their World Cup dreams, aiming to make their nation proud and secure a historic qualification.