Angola has advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations for the third time in their history, defeating Namibia 3-0 in a dramatic match in which both teams were reduced to ten men.
The first half produced two goals and two red cards, with rising star Gelson Dala netting a four-minute brace.
Angolan goalkeeper NeblΓΊ was sent off for handling outside the penalty area. However, his team fought hard and scored 21 minutes later through Dala, despite being reduced to ten men.
Namibia were also reduced to ten men in the 40th minute. This came after Lubeni Pombili Haukongo received a second yellow card, which resulted in a red card.
Angola extended their lead from the free kick, which Haukongo conceded, with Dala heading home his second goal of the game in the 42nd minute inside the 18-box. The 27-year-old scored his second brace of the competition.
In the second half, the Black Sable Antelopes looked more determined, and capitalized largely on counterattacks.
It didn’t take long for Mabululu to break through the Namibian defense and curl home a superb right-footed strike in the 66th minute, sealing Angola’s biggest AFCON victory.
This is the first time the Southern African team has reached the AFCON quarterfinals since hosting the tournament in 2010.
Angola will meet the winner of Nigeria vs. Cameroon in the quarterfinals as their unbeaten run in the competition continues.
