Benghazi: Angola’s national football team, the ‘Palancas Negras’, concluded their CAN’2025 qualifying campaign undefeated, following a goalless draw against Sudan on Monday. The match, held at the Banina Martyrs Stadium in Benghazi, Libya, saw Angola finish at the top of Group F with 14 points, having already secured their spot in the African Championship set to take place in Morocco next year.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the team had previously drawn 1-1 with Ghana before facing Sudan, who needed at least a draw to qualify. Sudan finished second in the group with eight points, securing their own passage to the championship. Niger and Ghana, with seven and three points respectively, did not advance.
Coach Pedro Gonçalves opted to field a side with several debutants, potentially aiming to provide game time for new players. However, this approach did not lead to a victory as Sudan dominated possession and had several missed opportunities. Angola narrowly avoided defeat, with Sudan hitting the cross
bar twice in the second half.
Key players such as Zini, who had been influential in the previous match, and late substitutes Mbala Nzola and Tó Carneiro, were unable to significantly impact the game. Despite the challenges, the draw ensured both Angola and Sudan advanced from Group F to the CAN’2025 tournament.