Angola: Ekumbi called up for the first time, Gilberto returns ahead of Egypt clash

Aliou Cissé has named a squad of 28 players for Angola’s first two matches in the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Goalkeeper Ekumbi, who plays for Cádiz, receives his first call-up to the Palancas Negras, while Gilberto returns to the squad ahead of the trip to Egypt scheduled for September 25.

The list announced on Saturday, September 19, also sees the returns of Sandro Cruz, Marsoni Sambu, Kinito, and Miro. Maestro is unavailable for this gathering. The squad notably includes David Carmo and Kialonda Gaspar in defense, Show in midfield, as well as Zito Luvumbo, Mabululu, Depú, and Randy Nteka in the attacking sector.

Angola will kick off its campaign in Cairo against Egypt, before hosting Malawi on October 6 at the National Stadium of November 11 in Luanda. Both matches are part of Group B, which also includes South Sudan.

According to the schedule communicated in Angola, the players will first gather in Casablanca, Morocco. The Palancas Negras will then travel to Cairo ahead of the match against the Pharaohs, before returning to Casablanca to prepare for the match against Malawi.

Appointed head coach of Angola on April 9, 2026, Aliou Cissé led his first matches with the Palancas Negras during the international window in June. The former Senegal coach is now embarking on his first qualifying campaign for the Africa Cup of Nations with the Angolan national team.