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After the former Portuguese colony gained independence in 1975, Angola played their first international match in 1977 against Cuba, winning 1-0.
They have qualified for just one World Cup, back in 2006, and since their first appearance in the African Cup of Nations back in 1996, they have been regulars at the tournament, reaching the quarter finals twice in 2008 and 2010, when they also hosted the tournament and took part in one of the most memorable games in ACN history, drawing 4-4 with Mali in the group stages after being 4-0 up with 11 minutes to go.
Angola have won the COSAFA Cup (a team for Southern African teams) on three occasions, and were runners-up in the 2011 African Nations Championships, losing 3-0 to Tunisia in the final. Notable former players include Rui Marques, who played for Leeds United and Akwa, the former Benfica player and their all-time leading goalscorer.
How did they qualify?
After receiving a bye to the second round, the Palancas Negras (Sable Antelopes) took on Zimbabwe over two legs. Losing 3-1 away in the first game, a brace from Manucho in the return leg saw Angola reach the tournament via the away goals rule.
Manager
Uruguayan coach Gustavo Ferrin took over in July 2012 and has spent most of his career, with varying successes, with the Uruguayan national youth teams. At club level he has managed Sport Ancash in Peru and Defensor Sporting in his homeland.
Star Men
Manucho – By far the biggest name in the squad, the 29-year-old Real Valladolid striker had a spell at Manchester United between 2008 and 2009. During his time there, he scored twice for Hull in the Premier League during a loan spell. He has scored 22 goals in 44 games for his country.
Djalma Campos – A striker who has spent most of his career in Portugal. Playing nearly 100 times for Maritimo earned Djalma a move to Porto in 2011. On the fringes of the first team since then, he has been loaned to Turkish side Kasimpasa.
Marco Airosa – One of the most experienced Angolan defenders with just over 20 caps, Airosa has spent a lot of his career in Portugal, although he is currently plying his trade in Cyprus with AEL Limassol.
How far can they go?
They could struggle to make it out of a tough group. They are up against hosts South Africa, a good Morocco side, and Cape Verde. If they do make it out of this group, it looks unlikely that they will make it past the quarter finals.
