Angola: Friendly matches against Jordan and Iran cancelled due to Middle East tensions

The Angola national team will not play any friendly matches during the March international window after all. The announcement was made on March 10 by the Angolan Football Federation (FAF) through an official statement published on its social media channels.

Initially, two friendlies were scheduled in Dubai against the national teams of Jordan and Iran as part of the squad's sporting preparations. However, the escalation of tensions and ongoing conflict in the Middle East led Angolan football authorities to rethink their plans.

In its statement, the FAF explained that

“the worsening of the current conflict in the Middle East and the instability felt in the region have forced a serious, cautious, and responsible reassessment of all arrangements initially planned.”

Faced with this uncertain situation, which goes beyond purely sporting concerns, the Angolan federation believed it was their responsibility to prioritize the safety and best interests of the national team above all else.

An alternative solution was nevertheless considered. The FAF looked into the possibility of keeping at least one friendly on the schedule after an urgent rescheduling. But after a thorough analysis of financial costs, logistical and administrative constraints, and the sporting benefit for the national team, the Angolan football authorities ultimately decided against it.

According to the federation, organizing just one match would not have been “rational or strategic given the resources required.”

As a result, the FAF has made its decision: the Palancas Negras will not play any friendlies during this March FIFA window.

Despite the cancellation, the Angolan football authorities were keen to reaffirm their commitment to the squad's preparations.

“The FAF remains fully committed to creating, at the appropriate time, the best conditions for Angola to continue asserting itself with dignity, ambition, and competitiveness on the international stage,” the statement concluded.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.