Argentina play their final fixture of the calendar year on Friday when they visit Angola in an international friendly.
La Albiceleste continue their preparations for the defense of their World Cup crown by visiting the African minnows, and they will be expected to breeze past FIFA’s 89th-ranked national team. Argentina, who secured their place at next summer’s tournament all the way back in March, travel to Belas off the back of friendly victories over Venezuela and Puerto Rico in October.
Lionel Scaloni’s side had scheduled another friendly on Nov.17, taking on fellow World Cup qualifiers Australia in India, but the postponement of that fixture means Angola will be Argentina’s final test before the next international break in March of next year.
The two sides have only locked horns once previously, with Argentina triumphing 2–0 in a friendly back in 2006. Lionel Messi came off the bench in that clash and should feature in Friday’s encounter, making his 187th appearance for the national team. Scaloni himself was also a used substitute in the victory over Angola 19 years ago.
Angola, who have missed out on qualification to the World Cup in North America, will be fearing the worst against the world champions despite being unbeaten in their last three fixtures. Patrice Beaumelle, who was only appointed after the September break, has overseen draws with Eswatini and Cameroon to date, but is likely to be handed a first defeat on Friday.
Here is guide to the clash between Angola and Argentina.
