The 'Selection of Almost' and the rise of Angola's footballing golden generation
In short: From a 1976 debut to the 2006 World Cup, the Palancas Negras have navigated spectacular highs and heartbreaking near-misses. Known as both the Black Sable antelopes and the Red Devils, Angola's journey is a saga of unexpected triumphs and dramatic collapses.
Angola's international football history began on 8 February 1976, with a 3–2 loss to Congo. While the team's early years involved steady development, including their first non-African opponent, Cuba, in 1977, the 1986 qualifying campaign marked a turning point. That era saw the nation defeat Senegal on penalties and featured legendary players like Jesus and Joseph Maluka.
The team's most iconic period arrived with the 2006 World Cup qualification. Under the guidance of coach Oliveira Gonçalves—who famously sought advice from José Mourinho regarding players like Akwá and João Ricardo—Angola secured their only World Cup appearance. The qualifying campaign was a rollercoaster, including a 3–1 loss to Chad and a dramatic 84th-century victory over Nigeria, eventually sealed by Akwá's header in Kigali on 8 October 2005.
However, the nickname 'selection of almost' emerged from more recent struggles. During the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations, hosted by Angola, the team famously surrendered a 4–0 lead against Mali in the final 11 minutes of a match. This pattern of narrow exits has persisted, from losing to Nigeria in the 2018 CHAN quarter-finals to being eliminated from the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations by Cape Verde.
Despite these setbacks, the Palancas Negras remain a formidable force in regional competitions, boasting five COSAFA Cup titles, including victories in 1999, 2001, 2004, 2024, and 2025. The squad continues to evolve, blending veterans from the 2006 era with new talents like Gelson Dala.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Angola national football team
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