Snl24 | AFCON: Player ‘deserts’ team ahead of crunch QF tie, returns to Europe

Angola star Beni Mukendi has reportedly decided to leave his team’s camp at the AFCON in the Ivory Coast and return his club in Portugal.

A 2023 Africa Cup of Nations player has now reportedly deserted his team ahead of their crunch quarter-final tie, opting to return to his European club. 

Angola have exceeded the expectations of many by reaching the last eight of this year’s AFCON, and while they will be hoping to extend their run in the tournament even further, their chances of doing so may have just been dented. 

Read: Morocco captain makes big referee claim after loss to Bafana 

As the team prepares to take on Nigeria on Friday evening, one of its players, Beni Mukendi, has made the decision to leave his national side and return to top-flight Portuguese club Casa Pia, according to Nigerian outlet The Quest Times.

Mukendi has struggled to break into his national team’s starting XI and is yet to make an appearance at AFCON 2023.

The lack of playing time is believed to have frustrated the 21-year-old and is reportedly the reason behind his decision to part ways with the Black Sable Antelopes and return to Portugal. 

It is said his departure from the camp has raised concerns surrounding Angola’s strategy heading into their crunch quarter-final tie against the Super Eagles in two days’ time. 

Angola head coach Pedro Goncalves, however, showed no sign of worry recently, highlighting his team’s intention to go as far as they possibly can in the tournament. 

“Whoever reaches the quarter-finals has to aim to go as far as possible, and the furthest possible is to reach the final and propose themselves as a candidate for victory,” he said, per the Daily Post Nigeria.

Read: Arteta admits he loved furious bust-up between his two stars 

Goncalves’ side will take on the three-time champions in the first quarter-final at 19:00 on Friday. 

You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments. 

Get the best in Soccer, News and Lifestyle content with SNL24 PLUS

For 14 free days, you can have access to the best from Soccer Laduma, KickOff, Daily Sun, TrueLove and Drum. Thereafter you will be billed R29 per month. You can cancel anytime and if you cancel within 14 days you won’t be billed.