AFCON of stars: Mabululu, the guide of the Palancas Negras
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All original articlesAngola arrives ambitious in Morocco after a solid qualification campaign and an increasing status. At 33 years old, Mabululu embodies this late but decisive renewal. A major artisan of the qualification and essential finisher, Al Ahli Tripoli’s striker in Libya carries the experience and realism of the Palancas Negras. AFCON 2025 could be the peak of his international history.
To come out at the head of a group that included Ghana, Sudan and Niger is to forbid doubts. The victory in Kumasi, against the Black Stars, was more than a success. This result confirmed that Angola is no longer a discreet player, but a selection that disturbs, surprises, and sets its sights on. After reaching the quarter-finals in the last edition, the Palancas Negras are now aiming higher.
Mabululu, the trajectory of a resilient striker
Agostinho Masturbator has known the selection with feedback and silences. International in 2013, then absent for long periods (2014-2018, 2020-2023), he returns late but strong. First by an excellent AFCON in Côte d'Ivoire with 3 goals scored. And soon a year with noticed performances. His two decisive goals during the qualifiers and 10 goals in 34 caps make him an offensive reference, not just a choice. At 33 years old, it’s not a second wind, it’s an achievement.
An instinctive finisher in a progressing team
Mabululu belongs to the caste of old-style scorekeepers. He does not need ten keys, a perfect angle, or a long speech to exist. He feels, he places himself, he concludes. In an Angola in search of offensive consistency, this profile is worth more than a statistic: it’s tranquility in chaos. In Al Ahli Tripoli, he continues to refine this punishing role in the surface, this cold precision that accompanies late-comers who appear late, but have remained for a long time.
Group B, first major review
Egypt, South Africa, Zimbabwe: the menu is dense, without appetizing. To overcome the obstacle, Angola will have to rely on its scorer. These tournaments are won with those who convert the moments. AFCON 2025 requires men who come to live near the goal post. Angola has one. And he arrives with certainty.