In what can be described as an unusual practice by national football teams, an African country has chosen to hold its preparations for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in a European nation.
Currently, club football has been put on hold as the World Cup qualifying campaigns around the world resume, with nations vying to secure their spots in the world's prestigious football competition.
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To ensure their readiness for their games, a Southern African country, Angola, has reportedly made the unexpected decision to hold a training camp in Portugal, the home country of head coach, Pedro Gonçalves.
Pan Africa Football has reported that the Palancas Negras arrived in Lisbon on Tuesday and will travel to Benghazi for their Group D match against the Libyans on Thursday, March 20, 2025.
''The national senior men's soccer team is in Lisbon undertaking a short preparation for the game against Libya,'' FAF's statement reads, per Pan Africa Football.
''The Black Palancas held a training session at 4:30 pm at the National Stadium of Jamor, which had an impact on technical-tactical aspects and refining of attacking strategy."
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After the match against Libya, Angola, which currently sits fourth in Group D with two points trailing behind group leaders Cameroon, will host Cape Verde next week on Tuesday.