Angola Vs Niger

Angola is poised to strengthen its position in Group F of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers as they prepare to host Niger at the Estadio 11 de Novembro this Friday. The Angolan national team, known as the Palancas Negras, will be looking to secure a victory that could open up a six-point lead in their group standings, further solidifying their path toward qualification.

Conversely, Niger, referred to as the Menas, finds itself in a precarious situation. They have struggled significantly in the AFCON qualifying rounds, having not won any of their last 11 matches since November 2020. The upcoming clash against Angola presents an opportunity for Niger to break this disappointing streak, especially as they aim to overcome the challenges of two consecutive defeats in previous encounters against the Angolans.

Match Preview

The anticipation surrounding this match is heightened by Angola's recent performance. On September 9, Angola continued their impressive run in the AFCON qualifiers with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Sudan at the Estadio 11 de Novembro. In a match that showcased their resilience, Angola broke through a scoreless first half when veteran striker Mabululu converted a penalty in the 51st minute. Although Sudan's Mustafa Karshoum equalized just four minutes later, Angola regained the lead with a goal from substitute Randy Nteka in the 81st minute, sealing a vital win.

Prior to the triumph over Sudan, Angola kicked off their qualification campaign with a dramatic 1-0 victory against Ghana on September 5. In that match, Felicio Milson scored a last-gasp winner in the third minute of stoppage time, ending Ghana's 24-year unbeaten streak at Kumasi's Baba Yara Stadium. This victory not only marked a significant achievement for the Angolans but also set the tone for their ambitious campaign.

As a result of these successes, Angola's form has been outstanding. The team has now secured six consecutive wins and remains unbeaten in their last ten matches across all competitions. This remarkable streak includes seven victories and one draw since their only defeat—a 1-0 friendly loss to Morocco on March 22. The recent performances have propelled Angola to fourth place in Group D of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and they also clinched the 2024 COSAFA Cup title in July, achieving a resounding 5-0 victory over Namibia in the final held at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

With momentum on their side, Angola is optimistic about extending their winning streak to seven games this weekend against a Niger side that has struggled in their past encounters. Historically, the Menas have faced challenges against Angola, losing their last two meetings while conceding five goals and managing to score only twice since their last victory in June 2008.

Niger's Struggles and Hopes

In stark contrast, Niger has yet to find their footing in the current qualifying campaign. Their previous outing resulted in a 1-1 draw against Ghana in Berkane, where they narrowly avoided defeat. Stade Rennais defender Alidu Seidu managed to score his first international goal just before halftime, giving Niger a glimmer of hope. However, Oumar Sako's equalizer in the 81st minute forced the match to end in a draw, denying Niger their first victory in the qualifiers.

Before the match against Ghana, Niger faced a disappointing start to their AFCON qualifying campaign. They fell to Sudan 1-0 at the Juba Stadium, conceding a goal in the 51st minute from Abo Eisa. This defeat was particularly disheartening as it highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by the team, which has now failed to win nine of their last ten competitive matches. Their record stands at eight losses and just one draw, with the only exception being a 2-1 victory over Zambia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers back in November 2023.

Head coach Zaki Badou is well aware of the challenges his team faces and will be looking to capitalize on the momentum gained from the draw against Ghana. He hopes this result can serve as a turning point for a side that has experienced significant difficulties in their AFCON qualifying matches. The Menas have not tasted victory in their last eleven attempts in these qualifiers, accumulating seven losses and four draws since their last win—a 1-0 triumph over Ethiopia in November 2020.

Historical Context and Rivalry

The rivalry between Angola and Niger adds an extra layer of intrigue to this encounter. Angola has historically had the upper hand, with a series of strong performances against Niger in past competitions. The Menas will need to dig deep and find a way to break this trend if they hope to secure their first AFCON appearance since 2012. Their last successful qualification for the tournament came over a decade ago, and the pressure is mounting for the team to deliver positive results.

Niger’s recent history in AFCON qualifiers has been marked by challenges, and they are eager to turn their fortunes around. The upcoming match against Angola presents an opportunity for redemption and a chance to build some much-needed confidence. The team has been working hard to rectify their mistakes and improve their performances on the field. With every match carrying significant weight in their quest for qualification, the importance of this encounter cannot be overstated.

Key Players to Watch

As both teams prepare for this crucial match, several key players will be instrumental in determining the outcome. For Angola, experienced striker Mabululu will be a focal point in the attack. His ability to convert chances and lead the front line will be vital in breaking down Niger's defense. Additionally, substitute Randy Nteka has proven to be a game-changer, showcasing his impact off the bench in previous matches.

On the Niger side, head coach Zaki Badou will rely on the experience and skill of Alidu Seidu, who recently made headlines with his first international goal. Seidu's contributions in both defense and attack will be crucial as Niger seeks to find their rhythm in the match. Moreover, Oumar Sako’s goal-scoring abilities will also be a key factor in whether Niger can find the net against a formidable Angolan side.

Conclusion

The clash between Angola and Niger in the AFCON qualifiers promises to be an exciting encounter. Angola, riding high on their recent success and with the advantage of home support, will be eager to secure another win and solidify their position in the group. Meanwhile, Niger is desperate to end their winless streak and make a statement in their quest for qualification.

As the two teams prepare to take the field at the Estadio 11 de Novembro, fans will be treated to an engaging battle filled with tension, determination, and the pursuit of glory. The stakes are high, and both teams will be keenly aware of the significance of this match in their respective campaigns. With Angola aiming for dominance and Niger seeking redemption, the outcome of this encounter could shape the future of both teams in the quest for AFCON qualification.