Orlando Pirates loanee Gilberto snubbed from Angola squad

Africa 28 May 2026 at 11:08

Hlayisani Magoro

News Editor

Orlando Pirates loanee Gilberto has been snubbed from the Angola national team ahead of their international friendly matches next month.

The Palancas Negras will square off against Botswana and Central African Republic in Morocco, in what will be head coach Aliou Cisse's first tests.

An Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) winner with his native Senegal in 2022, Cisse took over the reins from Patrice Beaumelle last month.

The 50-year-old tactician signed a four-year deal, and was tasked with qualifying for the 2027 continental showpiece set to be co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.

Cisse omitted Gilberto from his maiden squad as the boss of the Angola, raising concerns about the player's future in the national team.

The 25-year-old attacker was also not part of the team that represented Angola in the showpiece in Morocco under Beaumelle.

Once touted as the golden boy of Angolan football, Gilberto is enduring a tough spell in his career as he is currently sidelined by Petro de Luanda at club level.

Petro suspended the on-loan Pirates forward as he violated contractual terms by participating in a street football tournament.

Gilberto is expected to return to his parent club upon the end of his loan spell, with the Angolan giants opting against extending his stay again.

Related teams and leagues

Orlando Pirates

Angola