Angola’s head coach Pedro Gonçalves has named a 27-man squad for World Cup qualifiers, featuring first-time call-up Afimico Pululu and the return of Beni Mukendi. The exclusion of leading scorer João ‘Kaporal’ Chingando has sparked controversy. Angola faces critical matches against Libya and Cape Verde in a bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Angola’s head coach, Pedro Gonçalves, has granted a first national team call-up to Afimico Pululu as part of his 27-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Libya and Cape Verde. The Palancas Negras will face Libya in Benghazi on March 20, followed by a home match against Cape Verde on March 25.

Pululu, a 24-year-old winger currently playing for Jagiellonia Bialystok in Poland, brings a unique skill set to the team, having been raised in Switzerland after being born in Angola. His previous experiences with FC Basel and Greuther Fürth, in addition to his speed and dribbling skills, enhance the squad’s attacking capabilities alongside established players like Gelson Dala and M’Bala Nzola.

Another significant addition to the lineup is the return of Beni Mukendi, who rejoins the squad following his absence from Angola’s recent AFCON campaign. The Vitória SC midfielder’s technical prowess and game intelligence will be pivotal in managing the play against capable teams like Libya and Cape Verde, augmenting the midfield alongside Fredy Ribeiro and António Muanza.

Controversy surrounds the omission of João “Kaporal” Chingando Manha, who leads in Angolan league goals. Despite expectations for his inclusion, Coach Gonçalves has opted against selecting him, and the rationale remains unclear, prompting speculation regarding either tactical decisions or other factors.

Angola enters these qualifiers with six points from three games, currently occupying the fourth spot in Group D, trailing behind Cameroon on eight points. Matches against Libya and Cape Verde are critical, with both teams closely contesting for qualification. A strong performance in Benghazi could build momentum for Angola, especially with home support anticipated for the match at the November 11 National Stadium in Luanda.

With player strengths like Mabululu, Gelson Dala, and Fredy, the Palancas Negras are poised to make a serious push for World Cup qualification, having last participated in the event in 2006. Coach Gonçalves aims to guide the team to a successful bid for a spot in the 2026 World Cup hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

The complete squad includes:

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).

In summary, Angola’s squad for the World Cup qualifiers showcases new talents like Afimico Pululu, alongside the return of experienced players such as Beni Mukendi. The omission of João ‘Kaporal’ Chingando has raised questions regarding selection strategies. With crucial upcoming matches against Libya and Cape Verde, Angola has a significant opportunity to advance in their World Cup aspirations, encouraged by their recent team dynamics and the leadership of Coach Pedro Gonçalves.

Original Source: www.cafonline.com

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