Neblú was sent off in Angola’s 3-0 win over Namibia in their last 16 fixture after handling the ball outside the box
Angola will be without their first choice goalkeeper, Adilson Cipriano da Cruz, popularly known as Neblú for the crunch quarter-final clash against Nigeria after losing his bid to have his red card cancelled.
The Palancas Negras goalie was sent off in their 3-0 victory against Namibia in the last 16 encounter after handling the ball outside side the box.
Neblú, following the matching order, was expected to be suspended for two games and expected to feature again in the 2023 AFCON if Angola qualify for the finals.
However, the Angola Football Federation, appealed the decision to suspend the 30-year-old shot stopper and upon the review, CAF opted to reduce the goalkeeper’s ban to just one game.
The reduction was given on the premise that the dismissed goalkeeper only handled the ball outside the 18-yard box and that the act did not constitute violent conduct or jeopardize the physical integrity of an opposing player.
While his absence is an added advantage for the Super Eagles, it will be a big blow for Pedro Goncalves’ side, who are seeking a place in the semi-final for the first time in the history of AFCON.
Aside from Neblú, another Angolan midfielder, Beni Mukendi will also be absent from the encounter against Nigeria after he left the country’s camp and returned to his club, Casa Pia in Portugal after he played no minutes of football at the AFCON 2023 tournament.
Angola will face the Super Eagles at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan, on Friday and the winner of the encounter will advance to the semi finals.
