World champions Argentina travel to Luanda to face Angola on Friday as part of the African nation’s 50th independence day celebrations.
The reigning World Cup holders will be searching for a positive end to their 2025 international calendar in this high-profile exhibition match.
Angola vs Argentina – Match preview and team news
- Date: Friday, 14th November.
- Kick-off: 3pm BST.
- Venue: Estadio 11 de Novembro, Luanda.
Angola team news
Angola, currently positioned 89th in the FIFA rankings, are ready to face the defending world champions Argentina head-on. Nonetheless, their squad will be hampered by the absence of Zini, sidelined with a leg injury, and Randy Nteka, who is experiencing physical discomfort, reducing their options for selection.
Manager Patrice Beaumelle has assembled a competitive squad featuring several Europe-based stars for this historic occasion. Lyon defender Clinton Mata, Lecce centre-back Kialonda Gaspar, and Cagliari forward Zito Luvumbo will all feature as the Palancas Negras prepare for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco next month.
Argentina team news
Lionel Scaloni has called up a strong 24-player squad for Argentina’s final match of 2025, with captain Lionel Messi leading the line despite Inter Miami’s MLS Cup playoff campaign. The 38-year-old continues to defy age, having scored 34 goals and provided 17 assists in 31 MLS appearances this year.
However, three Atletico Madrid players – Julián Alvarez, Giuliano Simeone and Nahuel Molina – will miss the fixture after failing to complete the yellow fever vaccination requirements needed to enter Angola. Enzo Fernández has also withdrawn from the squad.
Aston Villa’s Emiliano Buendía returns to the Argentina fold after a three-year absence, having impressed for his club this season with three goals and two assists in nine Premier League appearances. The 28-year-old recently scored a stunning free-kick against Bournemouth.
Scaloni has handed first-time call-ups to Strasbourg striker Joaquín Panichelli, who has scored 10 goals in 12 matches this season, and Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni, who shone at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile. Como youngsters Nico Paz and Máximo Perrone have also been included, alongside veteran Boca Juniors midfielder Leandro Paredes.
Form
Angola
Although Angola only lost four matches out of their last 24 match in all competitions, recent form has not been satisfactory as they failed to qualify for the World Cup next year. They won just one match in their last seven World Cup qualifying campaign games and just won one match out of their last five in all competitions.
Argentina
Lionel Scaloni’s side remain in dominant form despite a surprise 1-0 defeat to Ecuador in September. La Albiceleste bounced back with consecutive victories in October, defeating Venezuela 1-0 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami before thrashing Puerto Rico 6-0.
Messi provided two assists in the Puerto Rico match, showcasing his continued importance to the team. Argentina finished on top of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying table.
Predicted lineups
Angola: Marquez; Carneiro, Carmo, Gaspar, Mata; Maestro, Beni, Fredy, Luvumbo; Mabululu, Banza.
Argentina: Rulli; Foyth, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Mac Allister, Lo Celso; Messi, Martínez, González.
How to watch Angola vs Argentina?
In the UK, you can watch the Angola vs Argentina match live on the ESPN UK channel, which will provide full coverage of the international friendly.
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