Johannesburg – Angola have named their preliminary squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with Orlando Pirates winger, Deivi Miguel Vieira, also known as Gilberto, earning a call-up while Kaizer Chiefs defender Inacio Miguel was surprisingly overlooked.
The Palancas Negras open their Group B campaign against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana on 22 December.
Gilberto, currently on loan at Petro de Luanda, continues to impress in his home country and has been rewarded with a place in coach Patrice Beaumelle’s provisional squad. Miguel’s omission, however, has raised eyebrows. The defender has been a standout performer for Chiefs this season, featuring in almost every match and contributing significantly to Amakhosi’s improved defensive record.
Miguel, who joined Chiefs from Petro Atletico in August 2024, last represented Angola in November 2023 against Cape Verde. Despite his form in the DStv Premiership, he was not included among Beaumelle’s selections.
Angola will face Bafana Bafana, Zimbabwe, and Egypt in their group fixtures. Before travelling to Morocco for the tournament, the Palancas Negras will play warm-up friendlies against DR Congo and Mozambique on 13 and 16 December, with both matches scheduled to take place in Portugal.
Gilberto’s inclusion and Miguel’s snub set the stage for heightened interest in Angola’s preparation, especially as they gear up to face familiar opponents in the group stage.
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