DILI, 24 July 2025 (TATOLI) – Angola claimed their second win at the CPLP Games with a fascinating 3-1 victory over Timor-Leste on Thursday night at Dili Stadium.
Angola took an early lead, scoring two goals within the first 10 minutes. Pedro Antonio opened the scoring in the 4th minute, followed by Aleximar’s strike in the 8th minute.
The Angolan side controlled possession, created numerous scoring opportunities, and maintained relentless attacking pressure. This pressure left Timor-Leste’s U-16 team unable to execute any effective counterattacks and forced them to focus on defense.
However, in the final minute of the first half, Timor-Leste forward Manuel Reinaldo scored the team’s first goal of the tournament with a precise strike.
Just after the break, in the 47th minute, Paulo Luvumbu netted Angola’s third goal, reinforcing their dominance in the game.
With this victory, Angola now leads the competition with seven points and remains unbeaten.
Timor-Leste coach Efrem Geronimo commended his players’ effort but admitted Angola’s superiority, stating, “Angola is the strongest team in every area—defense, midfield, and attack.”
He said that it was difficult to play against such a strong team. “We tried to counterattack, but it wasn’t successful. Fortunately, we managed to score today thanks to our counterattack plan,” Geronimo said.
Timor-Leste will face Portugal in the third-place playoff on Saturday, 26 July, at 1:00 p.m. at Becora Field.
Meanwhile, Angola will meet Cape Verde in the final at 4:00 p.m. the same day at Dili Stadium.
TATOLI
