Argentina will wrap up their 2025 calendar with a friendly encounter against Angola at the Estádio 11 de Novembro on Friday. This will be the first meeting between the two nations since Argentina emerged victorious in a 2-0 friendly back in May 2006. The fixture comes at a unique moment: Angola preparing for the Africa Cup of Nations and Argentina fine-tuning ahead of their 2026 World Cup defence.
Team News
Angola come into the match from a rather underwhelming World Cup qualifying campaign, finishing fourth in Group D after two wins, six draws and two defeats. Under head coach Patrice Beaumelle they’ve held to a three-game unbeaten streak (W1, D2), which offers at least some momentum. Key names include goalkeeper Neblu and striker Mabululu, leading the attack.
Argentina, reigning world champions, have already sealed their ticket to the 2026 World Cup after topping CONMEBOL qualifying, and just like Mac Allister suggested in a previous report, that goals are important for Argentina to reach their aim, they will be aiming to score as many goals as possible when they face Angola.
The squad for this friendly will miss three Atletico Madrid players, Julián Álvarez, Nahuel Molina and Giuliano Simeone, due to incomplete yellow fever vaccination protocols required for Angola entry. Also, Softfootball reported earlier that Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez will also miss the clash as he is suffering from a knock.
However, the Argentine team are preparing ahead of the encounter with Argentina, even posting via their official X account pictures from their training ahead of the encounter.
They Posted:
Possible Lineups
Angola (4-3-3):
Neblu; Mata, Gaspar, Carmo, Carneiro; Fredy, Beni, Maestro; Luvumbo, Mabululu, Banza
Argentina (4-4-2):
Rulli; Foyth, Romero, Senesi, Tagliafico; Mac Allister, Paredes, Lo Celso, Almada; Messi, Lautaro Martínez
Softfootball’s Prediction
Argentina clearly start as heavy favourites; they are a vastly deeper squad, with world-class stars, and a momentum that supports their status. Angola, for all their spirit and home advantage, lack the firepower and consistency to match the world champs. Expect Argentina to rotate smartly but still impose themselves.
Prediction: Angola 0–3 Argentina
Argentina to dominate possession and chances, Angola likely to defend more than attack. Controlled win for the visitors, without dramatic meltdown.
