Angola head coach Aliou Cissé has announced his first squad since taking over the national team job ahead of the friendlies against Botswana and Central African Republic (CAR) in June 2026.
The Senegalese legend has rung the changes, dropping five regulars who were part of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) squad.
Notable players who have been axed include Palermo FC right winger Rui Modesto, Spain’s Olympique Lyon right-back Clinton Mata, forwards Zito Luvumbo of Mallorca FC in Spain, Mbala N’Zola of RC Lens (France) and Manuel Benso (Maccabi Haifa, Israel) dropped.
The five regulars who were part of the 2025 AFCON squad have paved the way for defenders Khaly (Casa Pia, Portugal), Petro de Luanda’s Hossi and his club mate Kinito, Saudi Arabia’s Al Jabalani FC midfielder Megue, strikers Depu (Yanga SC), Mabilson (Primeiro de Angosto), Fernando (Primeiro de Agosto) and Amorzinho Luanda City FC.
Another notable exclusion is Orlando Pirates midfielder Gilberto and a notable addition is Libya’s Al Akhdar FC’s Ary Papel, who was sidelined from the 2025 AFCON party.
Cisse is preparing to begin his reign when hosting the Zebras of Botswana on 6 June then CAR three days later, both games in Luanda.
The 2021 AFCON winning manger secured employment with the Angola national team in April 2026 to replace Frenchman Patrice Beaumelle who left Angola for Esperance de Tunis.
After watching domestic league games in Angola, the 50-year-old is now set to get down to work ahead of the window for warm up matches.
Angola, just like most national teams, will use the window to fine tune for the 2027 AFCON group stage qualifying round set to get underway in September 2026.
The Palancas Negras were drawn in Group B alongside record AFCON winners Egypt, Malawi and South Sudan.
