The Kaizer Chiefs defender Inacio Miguel is set to sit out both the clash with Bafana Bafana and Angola’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) journey.
The Palancas Negras have released their preliminary squad for AFCON, and once again, Miguel’s name is missing, despite 55 players being called up.
KAIZER CHIEFS STAR MIGUEL CARDOSO TO SIT OUT AFCON
The 29-year-old has been a regular for Amakhosi, with 14 games this season, yet national team opportunities continue to dwindle.
Miguel last featured for Angola in November 2023, playing just two minutes off the bench against Cape Verde. Overall, he has made only five appearances for his country, with his other caps coming back in 2021.
The Kaizer Chiefs skipper was also part of Angola’s squad at the previous AFCON in Ivory Coast, receiving a late call-up but never getting onto the pitch. Now, with Angola set to kick off their 2025/26 AFCON campaign against Bafana on 22 December, followed by matches against Zimbabwe and Egypt, Miguel will again be watching from the sidelines.
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ZAMALEK IN POLOKWANE
Meanwhile, Miguel is preparing for CAF Confederation Cup action this weekend. Egyptian giants Zamalek are in Limpopo, where Kaizer Chiefs will be waiting for them at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday at 15:00.
Speaking ahead of their crucial clash with Zamalek, Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef highlighted the challenge that lies ahead for Amakhosi. He stressed that every point matters if the team hopes to progress in the continental competition.
“Zamalek are one of the best teams in Africa with huge experience in continental competition,” the Tunisian told the club’s website. “It will be a tough game, but if we want to qualify, we cannot afford any mistakes at home. We need to win our home matches and collect more points away,” he added.