Pululu earns first call-up as Angola names squad for World Cup qualifiers

Angola head coach Pedro Gonçalves has handed a first-ever national team call-up to Afimico Pululu as part of his 27-man squad for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Libya and Cape Verde.

The Palancas Negras will play Libya in Benghazi on March 20 before returning to Luanda to host Cape Verde on March 25.

Pululu, a 24-year-old winger currently playing for Jagiellonia Bialystok in Poland, was born in Angola but raised in Switzerland, where he featured for FC Basel and Greuther Fürth before his move to Poland.

His pace and dribbling ability add another attacking dimension to Gonçalves' squad, complementing the likes of Gelson Dala and M’Bala Nzola.

Mukendi Returns to Strengthen Midfield

Another notable inclusion is the return of Beni Mukendi, who has been recalled after missing Angola’s 2023 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign. 

The Vitória SC midfielder, known for his technical ability and tactical intelligence, will be crucial in controlling the tempo against strong opposition in Libya and Cape Verde.

His presence boosts Angola’s midfield depth, which also features Fredy Ribeiro and António Muanza.

Kaporal's Omission Raises Eyebrows

The most controversial decision in the squad is the exclusion of João "Kaporal" Chingando Manha, who currently leads the Angolan league's scoring charts.

Many had expected the Petro de Luanda striker to be included in the squad, but Gonçalves has opted to leave him out.

While the coach has not publicly explained the decision, speculation suggests it could be down to tactical preferences or non-footballing reasons. 

Crucial Matches for Angola’s World Cup Dream

With six points from three games, Angola sits fourth in Group D, just two points behind leaders Cameroon (8 points).

Libya and Cape Verde, both with seven points, are direct competitors, making this a must-win doubleheader for the Palancas Negras.

A strong performance in Benghazi could boost Angola’s confidence ahead of the home match in Luanda, where the team will aim to capitalize on home support at the November 11 National Stadium.

With key players like Mabululu, Gelson Dala, and Fredy leading the charge, Angola has a real chance of pushing for a historic World Cup qualification.

The Palancas Negras last appeared at a FIFA World Cup in 2006, and Gonçalves’ squad will be hoping to repeat history by securing a spot at the 2026 tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

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)