2026 World Cup qualifiers: Angola squad announced with several returns including Mbala Nzola | OneFootball

Pedro Gonçalves banks on continuity to face Libya and Mauritius

Palancas Negras / Angola

Angola's head coach Pedro Gonçalves unveiled on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, the list of Palancas Negras for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifying window. This squad announcement is highlighted by the return of striker Mbala Nzola, who had been absent from recent call-ups.

The Pisa SC center-forward rejoins an already stacked attacking lineup, featuring the likes of Zito Luvumbo (Cagliari), Manuel Benson (Burnley), and Osvaldo Capemba “Capita” (Radomiak, Poland).

In defense, Angola can rely on key figures such as Clinton Mata (Lyon), David Carmo (Nottingham Forest), and Kialonda Gaspar (Lecce). The midfield remains balanced, anchored by experienced players like António Muanza “Maestro” (Alanyaspor) and Alfredo Ribeiro “Fredy” (Bodrumspor).

With this 26-man squad, Pedro Gonçalves is aiming for two crucial home victories against Libya and Mauritius—must-win matches to stay firmly in the hunt for a historic qualification to the 2026 World Cup.

Angola squad to face Libya and Mauritius

Goalkeepers: Adilson Da Cruz "Neblu" (Primero Agosto), Agostinho Calunga (Wiliete), António Dominique (Etoile-Carouge)

Defenders: Buatu Jonathan (Gil Vicente), Clinton Mata (OL), David Carmo (Nottingham), Eddie Afonso (Petro De Luanda), Kialonda Gaspar (Lecce), Luís Eusebio (Interclube), Núrio Fortuna (Volos NFC)

Midfielders: Alfredo Ribeiro "Fredy" (Bodrumspor), Anderson Da Cruz (Petro Luanda), António Hossi (Petro Luanda), António Muanza "Maestro" (Alanyaspor), Benedito Mukendi "Beni" (Vitória SC), Bernabé Tomás "Beni" (Wiliete), Manuel Kafumana "Show" (Kocaelispor), Pedro Bondo (Familicão)

Forwards: Ambrosini Salvador "Zini" (AEK Athens), Felicio João "Milson" (Red Star Belgrade), Laurindo Aurélio "Depu" (Radomiak Radom), Mbala Nzola (Pisa Sporting Club), Manuel Benson (Burnley FC), Osvaldo Capemba "Capita" (Radomiak Radom), Randy Nteka (Rayo Vallecano), Zito Luvumbo (Cagliari)