According to João Lourenço, the invitation comes due to the good moment that the 'Palancas Negras', led by the Portuguese Pedro Gonçalves, are going through, who secured their presence in the 2025 African Cup of Nations (CAN) without any defeat in the qualifying phase.
"Taking advantage of this good moment for our team, we understand, as part of the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of national independence, to invite the Argentine football team to come to Angola next year and play against our 'palancas'", he said, drawing applause in the Center of Belas Conferences, in Luanda.
The President, who was speaking at the opening of the IX Ordinary Youth Congress of the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (JMPLA), the youth arm of the country's ruling party, assured that the agreement for the duel with the world champions has already been finalized.
"The negotiations are, essentially, closed, which allows us to deliver this good news that will certainly bring joy to football and sports lovers and Angolans," he stressed.
João Lourenço signaled the rising moment of the Angolan team, which "took off" after the brilliant campaign at CAN2023, held at the beginning of this year, in Ivory Coast, and in which the 'Palancas Negras' reached the quarter-finals, ending up eliminated by Nigeria.
"Since the CAN in Côte d'Ivoire, our team has taken off and is in ascending form, which motivates us to perform better in the CAN in Morocco, in 2025. We place all our trust in the young players and coaching staff of the 'palancas'", mentioned.
The head of state, addressing an audience of mostly young people from the 18 provinces, delegates to the 'J' Congress, also highlighted that sport forges character and keeps young people away from bad social practices, preparing them to face the big life challenges.
Angola's achievements in national and international sporting competitions over the years, especially in basketball, handball, volleyball, tennis, mixed martial arts, swimming, football, Paralympic sports and chess were highlighted by João Lourenço.
The 'Palancas Negras' finished the qualification phase for CAN2025, which will be played from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026, in Morocco without defeat on Monday.
Angola celebrates 50 years of independence on November 11, 2025 and several political, sporting, social and cultural activities are scheduled to celebrate the date.
