Angola vs Argentina preview, prediction, team news, and head-to-head

This match is more than just a friendly for the Angolan team and their fans. It’s a special event to also celebrate their 50th anniversary as an independent nation. Meanwhile, Argentina will use this opportunity to test new players and try out tactics.

Angola heads into this exciting clash with Argentina after a run of mixed results in World Cup qualifying. They have held strong in their last two games, drawing 0-0 with Cameroon and 2-2 with Eswatini, signs that their defense is tightening up.

Their only recent win came in September with a 3-1 victory over Mauritius. With a packed Estadio 11 de Novembro behind them, the home crowd will be ready to roar.

Argentina, on the other hand, comes in flying high. The South American team has won three of its last five games, including a 6-0 win over Puerto Rico and a narrow 1-0 win against Venezuela.

While Lionel Scaloni is expected to rotate and experiment, make no mistake, Argentina is here to win big. The coach will expect his team to stay sharp and keep building that winning rhythm ahead of Finalissima and World Cup.

Don't forget to check out our daily betting tips on BET OF THE DAY.

Angola and Argentina have only faced each other once before, way back on May 30, 2006, in a friendly match. That day, Argentina came out on top with a comfortable 2-0 win.  

Now, nearly two decades later, they meet again, this time in Luanda. It’s a special occasion for Angola, not just because of the opponent, but because it’s their chance to finally get on the scoresheet and maybe even grab a historic result against one of football’s biggest names.

Angola coach Pedro Gonçalves is expected to name his strongest lineup for this special occasion. Midfield general and captain Fredy will likely anchor the side, while striker Mabululu is tipped to lead the attack.

The squad is expected to look similar to the one that held Cameroon and Eswatini recently, organized at the back, ready to strike on the counter. Good news for the home side, no major injuries or suspensions have been reported.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni will be without some key names for this friendly. Julián Álvarez, Nahuel Molina, and Giuliano Simeone are out after missing the Yellow Fever vaccination deadline needed to enter Angola. Emiliano Martínez is being rested, and Enzo Fernández is still recovering from a knee injury.

These absences open the door for new faces. Four uncapped players have been called, including Kevin Mac Allister (brother of Alexis), Máximo Perrone, Nicolás Paz, and Joaquín Panichelli. Despite the changes, Lionel Messi will likely feature in this match, possibly from the bench.

Angola: Neblu; Carneiro, Carmo, Mananga, Hossi; Milson, Mukendi, Fredy, Luvumbo; Mabululu, Benson

Argentina: Cambeses; Montiel, Otamendi, Balerdi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Moreno, Mac Allister; Simeone, Gonzalez; Lopez

Angola’s defence has looked solid lately, but let us be honest, facing Argentina is a whole different ball game. Even with a rotated squad, the Albiceleste are stacked with talent and firepower.

The Argentine side is the clear favourite of this fixture. Angola’s home crowd will be loud and proud, but passion alone might not be enough to stop Messi and his teammates from scoring goals and dominating the game.

• Argentina to win

• Over 2.5 goals

• Messi to provide an assist.