Angola 3–1 Malawi: Cissé claims first win as Palancas Negras coach

By Angu Lesley

Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon

Angola secured a convincing 3–1 victory over Malawi on Tuesday night in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, giving Aliou Cissé his first win as Angola head coach. After opening the group campaign with a goalless draw against Egypt, the Palancas Negras produced a much sharper attacking display in Luanda.

Angola needed just three minutes to take the lead. Milson put the hosts ahead after being set up by Sambu M., giving Cissé’s side the perfect start. Malawi struggled to contain Angola’s early pressure and were punished again in the 38th minute, when Mabululu doubled the advantage, with Pedro Bondo providing the assist.

The visitors were handed a lifeline deep into first-half stoppage time. In the 45+2nd minute, Gaspar K. turned the ball into his own net, cutting Angola’s lead to 2–1 at the break. Despite the setback, Angola went into halftime still in control after an entertaining opening 45 minutes.

Cissé made changes early in the second half, with Singo Y. replacing Blessings S. and Malango M. coming on for Lameck M., both in the 46th minute. Angola made another double change in the 68th minute, sending on Zini for Luvumbo Z. and Miro for Mabululu. The substitutions quickly paid off as Miro struck in the 71st minute, once again assisted by Pedro Bondo, to restore Angola’s two-goal cushion.

There were more changes as the match progressed. Balburdia M. replaced Show in the 76th minute due to injury, while Malawi brought on Madinga F. for Chirwa G. and Mbulu R. for Mwaungulu P. in the 78th minute. Angola then made its final changes in the 84th minute, with Fernando replacing Pedro Bondo and Gilberto coming on for Milson.

Angola comfortably protected their advantage in the closing stages to seal a 3–1 victory and three valuable points. For Cissé, who took charge of Angola in April 2026, it was a significant milestone as he finally registered his first competitive victory with the Palancas Negras, following the earlier draw with Egypt.