Angola have lost their bid to have goalkeeper Adilson Cipriano da Cruz ‘Neblú’ available for the crunch quarter-final clash with Nigeria.
Neblu was sent off in the Palancas Negras’ 3-0 victory against Namibia in the Round of 16 after handling the ball inside the box.
The 30-year-old was expected to be suspended for two games following his dismissal.
But after an appeal by the Angola Football Federation, the shot stopper will now sit out one game.
His absence will be a big blow for Pedro Goncalves’ side, who are seeking a place in the semi-final for the first time in the history of AFCON.
They will face the Super Eagles at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan, on Friday.
AFCON 2023: Angola lose goalkeeper Neblu’s red card appeal
