Zamalek winger Chico Banza has been included in Angola’s squad for the upcoming international break, with the 27-year-old set to feature in the country’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Egypt and Malawi.
Angola coach Aliou Cisse selected Banza after the winger’s strong start to the season with Zamalek, where his performances have improved compared with his output last campaign.
Banza has made seven appearances for the Egyptian club this season, scoring twice and providing three assists. His contribution has made him one of the key attacking options in Cisse’s squad as Angola prepare for the two qualifiers.
The winger’s numbers represent an improvement on his figures from last season. Banza scored three goals and registered two assists in 33 appearances for Zamalek during the previous campaign.
Cisse has also used the upcoming international window to introduce several new players to the Angola squad ahead of the meeting with Egypt.
Among the new names are Belgian-based defender Marsonne Sambo, who plays for Dender, and Sandro Cruz, who represents Slovan Bratislava in Slovakia.
The squad also includes Cadiz goalkeeper Ekombe of Spain and Rui Honissimo, who plays for Angolan club Interclube.
Several familiar names have, however, been left out of the squad. Ari Babel of Libya’s Al-Akhdar, Cagliari forward Mbala Nzola and Gelson Dala of Qatar’s Al-Wakrah are among those omitted from the latest selection.
Banza’s inclusion gives Cisse another attacking option as Angola prepare for two important matches during the international break. The Zamalek winger will now turn his attention from domestic football to international duty as the Angolan side begins preparations for its qualifying campaign.
Cisse took charge of the Angola national team after previously working with Libya. His most prominent managerial experience came with Senegal, whom he guided to the Africa Cup of Nations title in 2021.
The French coach will now look to combine established players with the new additions to his squad as Angola prepare for their fixtures against Egypt and Malawi.
Banza’s recent form has earned him a place among the players tasked with helping Angola in their latest attempt to make progress in the qualification campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
