Aliou Cisse secured his first competitive victory as Angola manager as the Palancas Negras beat Malawi 3-1 on Tuesday, strengthening their position at the top of Group B in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Angola made the perfect start, taking the lead in the second minute through Milson. Mabululu then doubled their advantage in the 38th minute after a flowing team move, giving Cisse’s side control before half-time.
Malawi were handed a route back into the match when Kialonda Gaspar scored an own goal shortly before the interval. However, Angola responded positively and continued to play on the front foot rather than simply protecting their lead.
Miro, who had come on two minutes earlier, restored the hosts’ two-goal advantage in the 70th minute. His goal secured the result and sparked celebrations inside the Estadio 11 de Novembro.
The victory underlined Angola’s encouraging start under Cisse. After four matches, the former Senegal manager has recorded two wins and two draws, with his side scoring seven goals and conceding only two.
Angola also produced several impressive attacking combinations against Malawi, moving the ball quickly and showing a consistent desire to advance. Although Malawi were not the strongest opposition the team will face, the performance offered further evidence that Cisse’s ideas are beginning to take hold.
The result carries added significance after Angola drew with Egypt, the side of Mohamed Salah, a few days earlier. The Palancas Negras now have four points and sit level at the top of Group B with the Pharaons.
A promising start after Libya
Cisse’s progress in Angola contrasts with the difficult end to his previous job. He left Libya after only one year, with major salary problems among the issues surrounding his departure. His new team, by contrast, appears to have responded more readily to his methods.
There are already echoes of the manager’s long spell with Senegal. Cisse was frequently criticised for the quality of the Lions’ football, but he built a side that was extremely difficult to beat. Senegal reached two Africa Cup of Nations finals during his tenure and won the tournament for the first time in their history.
It is too early to make a direct comparison between that team and the current Angola side. However, the early signs are positive. The Palancas Negras defend effectively, give away few chances and have shown an ability to manage difficult periods in matches.
Their next challenge will come in November, when they face South Sudan home and away. Two positive results would represent a significant first step towards qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
After his brief and troubled spell in Libya, Cisse appears to have returned to a familiar task: building a disciplined, resilient national team gradually before attempting to take it to a higher level.