World Cup Qualifying: Angola arrive in Benghazi for crucial Libya clash
- Andrew Olsson
- Mar 19
- 2 min read
The Angola national team arrived in Benghazi, Libya on Wednesday ahead of Thursday's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash with the Mediterranean Knights of Libya. Kickoff is set for 19:00 GMT at the Benina Martyrs Stadium.
After preparing for the match with training sessions in Lisbon, Portugal to accommodate the large contingent of European based players, the Palancas Negras are set to conduct one session on the pitch of the Benina Martyrs Stadium on Wednesday evening. It is a crucial match for Angola who have ground to make up in Group D.
Group D Table
GP | Points | |
Cameroon | 5 | 9 |
Libya | 4 | 7 |
Cape Verde | 4 | 7 |
Angola | 4 | 6 |
Mauritius | 4 | 4 |
Eswatini | 5 | 1 |
The group winner qualifies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Four of the nine group runners-up qualify for a playoff to determine Africa's representative at the intercontinental qualifying playoff.
Despite their slow start, an opportunity has arrived to leave the group wide open after Cameroon could only manage a 0-0 draw against Eswatini on Wednesday. A draw or victory in Benghazi on Thursday would go a long way for the Angolan team ahead of another critical match at home against fellow Lusophone nation Cape Verde.
Three players will not be available on Thursday for acclaimed Angola coach Pedro Gonçalves. Popular striker Mabululu, who is the top scorer in the Libyan Premier League, is suspended for the match. Another forward who earned his first call to the national team, Afimico Pululu, is injured after picking up a knock with Polish club Jagiellonia Białystok.
Finally, new dual national recruit André Vidigal (Stoke City, England) is still in the process of completing his nationality switch to become eligible for Angola after previously representing Portugal at youth level.
However, there is no shortage of options for coach Gonçalves. RC Lens forward M'Bala Nzola, who has enjoyed consistent playing time in European top divisions, will likely have an opportunity to prove himself with the Palancas after previously failing to impress in the Angolan shirt. Former Primeiro de Agosto star Zini is enjoying a good run of form with Greek Super League club Levadiakos and has an impressive record with the national team.
Whoever is selected to replace Mabululu up top, Angola's talented group of wingers and playmaker Fredy will provide strong service. Star player Gelson Dala is back in the team and other explosive wingers include Milson (Red Star Belgrade, Serbia), Gilberto (Petro de Luanda) and also the likes of Chico Banza (Portimonense, Portugal) and Manuel Benson (Burnley, England).
The consistent strength of the Angolan team is in the defense which has only conceded once in four matches so far this World Cup campaign. Kialonda Gaspar, Bastos and Jonathan Buatu are all experienced and strong central defenders who impose themselves on the opposition's attackers.
Right back Clinton Mata is welcomed back into the team after some time away. AS FAR Rabat left back Tó Carneiro is thriving in Moroccan club football where he has become a beloved figure at the Royal Army club. Former Petro de Luanda starlet Pedro Bondo and Sandro Cruz are other strong options as Angola lean on their defensive unit to help them earn at least a point in Libya.
