Angola captain Fredy sets semifinals target at AFCON

Angola national team captain Fredy has revealed the nation’s target when they head to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Under coach Patrice Beaumelle, the Palancas Negras have been drawn in a challenging Group B campaign against South Africa, Zimbabwe and Egypt. Angola have never won the tournament, with their strongest performances being quarterfinal appearances in 2008, 2010 and the last edition in Ivory Coast.

Ahead of the 35th edition in the North African nation, Fredy has outlined their mission and believes they have a great squad capable of seeing them go all the way.

“It’s always good to dream. We want that too; we want to do even better. We’ve evened the record, but with one important difference: in the past, there was no round of 16, you went straight through to the quarters. This time we’ve equalled the result, but we’ve played an extra game,” said Fredy as quoted by Flashscore.

“Right now, our main objective is to try and reach the semifinals. And if we get there, third or fourth place is already guaranteed. But reaching the final would be unprecedented and absolutely fantastic to see.”

Senegal will also be one of the teams

Discussing Angola’s group, he said: “Quite difficult. I think our group, along with Mozambique’s, is one of the most balanced. Looking at it on paper, it might even be the most even group of all.

“It’s going to be difficult; any team can win any game. That’s why we have to be 100 per cent focused, well-prepared, well-integrated and do everything we can to get through the group stage.”

Asked to pick his favourites for the AFCON title, Fredy responded: “For me, Morocco are the clear favourites, not only because they’re playing at home, but also because of their recent form. They have some magnificent players.

“Senegal will also be one of the teams that will always be in contention. Ivory Coast, as defending champions, will always have their say. Nigeria are a very strong team with world-class players.

Angola will begin journey against South Africa

“I like Tunisia’s team a lot; perhaps they don’t have as many big names as other teams, but as a team, they work very well. Egypt are always a contender, because of their collective quality and the players they have, and having someone like (Mo) Salah helps a lot.”

He concluded: “Algeria also deserve a mention. At the last AFCON, we made life very difficult for them, but I believe they’ll want to present a completely different image this year. And then there’s Congo, who have a core of very good players and play quality football.

“I think these are the teams I see as the strongest in this edition.”

Angola will begin their AFCON journey against South Africa on December 21, before facing Zimbabwe on December 26 and Egypt on December 29.

Angola’s final 28-man squad for AFCON 2025;

Goalkeepers: Neblú, Hugo Marques, Dominique.

Defenders: Rui Modesto, Eddie Afonso, Tô Carneiro, Núrio Fortuna, Pedro Bondo, David Carmo, Buatu, Gaspar, Clinton Mata.

Midfielders: Beni Mukendi, Show, Fredy, Maestro, Kelliano, Mário Balbúrdia.

Forwards: Zito Luvumbo, Manuel Benson, Milson, Chico Banza, Gelson Dala, Randy Nteka, Ary Papel, Mabululu, Mbala Nzola, Zine.