CAIRO: Ahly winger Felisberto Sebastião de Graca Amaral (Gilberto) has been named in Angola s 23-man squad for January s African Cup of Nations on home soil. Portuguese coach Manuel Jose, who left Ahly in the summer to take over at Angola for his first experience with national teams, picked Gilberto despite his lack of playing time with the Red Devils. The left-sided midfielder, who joined the team from Angola s Petro Atletico in 2002, was an integral member of an Ahly side who won a host of local and continental titles during the past five years. His form faded towards the end of last season though, with Egyptian international Sayed Moawad taking his place on the left. Gilberto is largely confined to the bench this term under coach Hossam Al-Badri. His former Ahly teammate Flavio Amado, who joined Saudi Arabia s Shabab in the close season, was also included in Angola s squad. Real Valladolid striker Manucho made the squad despite his recent disciplinary problems with Angola. The Palancas Negras will play in Group A with Algeria, Malawi and Mali.
