Angola include former French international in squad
French-based right back Jordy Gaspar has been called up to Angola’s team for the first time, included in their squad for their must-win Africa Cup of Nations qualifier away against the Central African Republic of June 17.
Angola will be eliminated if they lose in Yaounde as they sit third in Group E behind leaders Ghana (10) points and the Central African Republic, who have seven. Angola have five points from their four qualifiers played to date.
The 26-year-old Gaspar hails from French Ligue 2 club Grenoble. He was born in France to Angolan parents. and played for the French at junior level.
Coach Pedro Gonçalves has also recalled Chico Banza, Milson and Zine Salvador for the match in Douala, Cameroon. The Central African Republic do not have proper facilities and have chosen instead to play their ‘home’ matches in nearby Cameroon.
Gonçalves has picked 26 players but must do without striker Gelson Dala, who is suspended after an accumulation of cards.
Angola are to spend 10 days in Portugal, starting on Monday, before heading for the match in Cameroon.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Kadu (Alverca, Portugal), Gelson (InterClube), Neblu (Primeiro Agosto)
Defenders: Eddie Afonso (Petro Atletico), Jonathan Buatu (Valenciennes, France), Jordy Gaspar (Grenoble, France), Kialonda Gaspar (Estrela Amadora, Portugal), Kinito (Petro Atletico), Lulas (Sagrada Esperança), Gigli Ndefe (Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic), Tô Carneiro (Petro Atletico)
Midfielders: Fredy (Antalyaspor, Turkey), Megue (Petro Atletico), Beni Mukendi (Casa Pia, Portugal), Keliano (Primeiro Agosto), Show (Ludogorets, Bulgaria)
Forwards: Chico Banza (NEA Salamis, Cyprus), Depu (Gil Vicente, Portugal), Gilberto (Petro de Luanda), Hélder Costa (Al Ittihad Jeddah, Saudia Arabia), Lucas João (Reading, England), Mabululu (Al Ittihad, Egypt), Milson (Ankaragucu, Turkey), Zine Salvador (AEK Athens, Greece), Zito Luvumbo (Cagliari, Italy).