Angola national football team

Mens national football team.

The Angola national football team, known as Seleção nacional de futebol de Angola or Palancas Negras (Black Sable Antelopes), represents Angola in men's international football. It is governed by the Angolan Football Federation (Federação Angolana de Futebol) and is a member of both FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The team's colors are red, yellow, and black, reflecting the national flag.

Angola's most significant achievement came when they qualified for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, marking their first appearance in the tournament. They played their opening match against Portugal, losing 1-0, and finished the group stage with a draw against Mexico and a 1-1 tie with Iran, ultimately being eliminated without advancing to the knockout rounds.

The team has participated in nine Africa Cup of Nations tournaments since their debut in 1996, with their best performances coming in 2008, 2010, and 2023 when they reached the quarter-finals. Angola also had notable success in the COSAFA Cup, winning the tournament four times (1999, 2001, 2004, and 2024).

Angola's highest FIFA ranking was 45th in July 2000, while their lowest was 147th in March 2017. As of October 2024, they are ranked 82nd. The team plays its home matches at Estádio 11 de Novembro in Luanda.

Flávio holds the record for most caps with 91 appearances, while Akwá is the top scorer with 39 goals. The team's early history includes a significant victory over Cuba in 1977 and a strong showing in World Cup qualifying rounds during the late 1990s.