Angola became the first country to reach the last eight at the AFCON 2023 after a Gelson Dala masterclass against Namibia.
A brace from Gelson Dala and a beautiful goal from Mabululu powered Angola past a helpless Namibia in the first match of the knockout stage at the AFCON on Saturday.
Both teams finished with ten men, with Angola showing their superiority over the Brave Warriors to seal their place in the quarterfinal of the AFCON 2023 and set up a potential clash against Nigeria or Cameroon.
19:01 - 27.01.2024
Austin Eguavoen weighs in on Super Eagles AFCON campaign and Peseiro's Future
Super Eagles technical director Augustine Eguaveon speaks about Jose Peseiro’s future with the Nigerian national team.
06:03 - 17.01.2024
Pulse of The Day: Namibia break duck to stun ex-AFCON champs Tunisia
Pulse of the Day returns with a look at the key facts and figures as Namibia celebrated its first victory at AFCON after shocking former champions Tunisia.
Angola sees off Namibia
The duo of Gelson and Mabululu proved just too good for their neighbours from Namibia, the Brave Warriors.
After a historic place in the round of 16, Namibia looked set to continue its fairytale when Angola were reduced to 10 men following the sending off of goalkeeper Neblu in the 17th minute.
However, the Palancras Negras looked anything but the team with a numerical disadvantage as a beautiful team move saw Gelson open the scoring in the 38th minute.
Two minutes later, things went from bad to worse for Namibia, who were also reduced to 10 men before Gelson doubled the advantage with a towering header just before the break.
Mabululu would wrap things up after the hour mark with the best goal of the night off a Gelson pass to send Angola through to the quarterfinals.
Related content
23:17 - 30.12.2023
4 Players who pulled out of AFCON 2023 for personal reasons
The joy of representing their countries at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations was not enough to stop these players from deciding to skip the tournament in Ivory Coast
19:42 - 30.11.2023
FOOTBALL Simba SC face tough test as CAF Champions League action heats up
Simba faces a crucial clash against Jwaneng Galaxy this Saturday as the CAF Champions League heats up.
10:03 - 12.10.2023
FOOTBALL Rising Starlets squad to Angola revealed for crucial FIFA Women's U20 World Cup qualifier
Before departing for Luanda, a proud yet cautious head coach Beldine Odemba emphasised the team's need for focus despite their earlier triumph.
16:57 - 08.10.2023
FOOTBALL Rising Starlets wallop Angola in FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifier
Kenya's U-20 women's team, Rising Starlets, dominated Angola 6-1 in a FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifier with Valerie Nekesa shining.
01:00 - 16.01.2024
FOOTBALL AFCON 2023: Angola frustrate Algeria to share spoils in thrilling encounter
Angola came from behind to force a 1-1 draw with star-studded Algeria as both sides had to share the points in their group opener