Angola’s national football team, the "Palancas Negras," will face world champions Argentina in 2025 in Luanda as part of celebrations for the country’s 50th independence anniversary.
Angolan President João Lourenço announced on Thursday a landmark event that will highlight the nation’s 50th anniversary of independence: the Angolan national football team, the "Palancas Negras," will face world champions Argentina in Luanda next year.
The announcement, made during the IX Ordinary Congress of the Youth Movement of the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (JMPLA), comes as Angola continues to celebrate its recent achievements in football and looks forward to a bright future on the global stage.
The decision to invite Argentina, one of the most prestigious teams in the world, stems from the current strong form of the "Palancas Negras." Under the guidance of Portuguese coach Pedro Gonçalves, the team secured their place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) without suffering a single defeat during the qualifying phase. This remarkable performance has reinvigorated national pride and positioned Angola as a competitive force in African football.
President João Lourenço expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming match, which will take place as part of the country’s independence celebrations. "Taking advantage of this great moment for our national team, we decided, as part of the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of national independence, to invite the Argentinian national football team to Angola next year to play against our 'Palancas'," he announced, drawing applause from attendees at the Belas Conference Center in Luanda.
He further revealed that the agreement for the match had already been finalized. "Negotiations are essentially concluded, which allows us to share this great news that will surely delight football fans, sports enthusiasts, and all Angolans," Lourenço emphasized. The announcement was met with widespread excitement, as the match against Argentina offers Angolans a rare opportunity to witness their national team compete against the reigning world champions.
The timing of this match is particularly significant, as it coincides with the upward trajectory of Angola’s national team. The "Palancas Negras" have been in excellent form, having delivered an impressive performance at the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, where they reached the quarter-finals before being eliminated by Nigeria. This strong showing has boosted confidence within the squad and among Angolan fans.
"Since the Côte d’Ivoire AFCON, our national team has taken off and is on an upward trajectory, which motivates us to aim for an even better performance at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco," Lourenço remarked. "We place all our trust in the young players and the technical staff of the Palancas."
The president also used the occasion to emphasize the broader importance of sports in shaping Angola’s youth and fostering national unity. Speaking to a predominantly young audience at the JMPLA Congress, he highlighted how sports can play a transformative role in steering young people away from negative influences and preparing them for the challenges of life. "Sports forge character and provide a sense of purpose," Lourenço stated, drawing a connection between Angola’s sporting achievements and its aspirations for social development.
João Lourenço also took the opportunity to celebrate Angola’s accomplishments in a range of sports, including basketball, handball, volleyball, tennis, mixed martial arts, swimming, Paralympic sports, and chess. These achievements, he noted, have brought pride to the nation and demonstrated the potential of Angolan athletes on the international stage.
The "Palancas Negras" are now preparing for the 2025 AFCON, which will take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. Angola’s undefeated run in the qualifiers has raised expectations, and the team hopes to build on this momentum to deliver a strong performance in the tournament.
As Angola gears up to celebrate 50 years of independence on November 11, 2025, the government has planned a series of political, cultural, and sporting events to commemorate this historic milestone. The match against Argentina will undoubtedly be a highlight of these celebrations, symbolizing not only Angola’s progress in football but also its aspirations on the global stage.
This match represents a unique moment in Angola’s sporting history, bringing together the nation’s rising football stars with the world’s best. For the "Palancas Negras," it is a chance to showcase their talent and measure themselves against the reigning champions. For Angolans, it is an opportunity to celebrate their nation’s journey and come together in pride and anticipation. With Argentina’s visit to Luanda, Angola is sending a clear message: it is ready to embrace its place on the international stage, both in football and beyond.
