The squad list was presented by Pedro Gonçalves at a press conference, and at the time he spoke about Nzola's return to the national team.
According to the coach, the 28-year-old athlete, who works for Lens in the French first league, had already shown his willingness to wear the 'Palancas Negras' jersey: "Mbala had already told us before CAN that he was available, therefore, these matters regarding logistical and operational issues, in his opinion, would certainly be outdated, and he had already given us a signal that he wanted to be present".
"Afterwards, for reasons that he will be the most appropriate person to address, he requested not to be present at CAN, precisely on the day after the announcement of the call-up", added the coach, adding that "it was tough", but what they want is a "focus and commitment".
"We want the players (...) to reflect and understand whether they fit in with our ideas, with what we advocate or not and if not, we respect (...)", he pointed out, adding that this was a matter that they were approaching and developing and "Mbala expressed that it actually wants to be present".
The lineup consists of more than 20 players. In addition to Mbala Nzola, forwards Ambrosini Salvador 'Zine', Cristóvão Paciência 'Mabululu', Deivi Vieira 'Gilberto', Felicio João 'Milson', Francisco Sacalumbo 'Chico Banza', Randy Nteka and Zito Luvumbo were also called up.
They are joined by goalkeepers Adilson da Cruz 'Nebú', Jorge Miguel 'Rui' and Ricardo Baptista.
Also called up were midfielders Aldair Ferreira, Alfredo Ribeiro 'Fredy', António Muanza 'Maestro', Domingos Andrade, João Bachiessa 'Batxi', Manuel Cafumana 'Show' and Pedro Francisco, as well as defenders Augusto Carneiro 'Tó', Bartolomeu Quissanga ' Bastos', Buatu Jonathan, Clinton Mata, David Carmo, Jordy Gaspar, Núrio Fortuna and Kialonda Gaspar.
In the double qualifying round for CAN 2025, Angola will play, on November 15th, against Ghana, at the Estádio 11 de Novembro, in Luanda. On November 18th, the team will face Sudan, in Benghazi, Libya.
It is worth remembering that the country is already qualified for CAN 2025, which takes place from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026, in Morocco.
