The last similar operation took place in 2008, during the CAN hosted by Ghana, where the Palancas Negras reached the quarter-finals, two years after having participated for the first time in a senior football World Cup (Germany/2006).

Among the excursionists are former world players, with emphasis on the then goalkeeper João Ricardo, striker Mendonça, right-back Renato Campos, as well as the now Marketing and Communications director of Petro de Luanda, Sidónio Malamba.

The Angolan caravan also includes musicians, journalists, models, among several public figures, taken by Boeing 737-700 and Boeing 777-300 aircraft, operated by TAAG, on a charter basis, according to a note from the company.

They also make up a fan base, various sections of civil society, employees of sponsoring companies, family members of players, institutional entities, among other citizens, who return to the country after the game.

The Angolan delegation left Luanda TAAG, at 8:00 am and arrived in Abidijan at around 12:00 pm, and will join the cheering squad that will pull for the Palancas Negras, in today’s game (at 6:00 pm), against Nigeria, counting for the quarter-finals of the competition.

According to a statement, the initiative is the result of a partnership between Linhas Aéreas de Angola, which provided two special services, the Movimento Nacional Spontaneo, the Bank of Commerce and Industry (BCI) and the event promoter Nova Energia.

“With this action, TAAG reaffirms its commitment to sport and the community, embracing an initiative with a national impact that unites all Angolans around a common cause”, states the document to which Angop had access.

TAAG – Angola Airlines is a leading airline in the aviation market in Angola, recognized globally and with sustained growth, currently offering 12 domestic destinations and 13 international destinations.

In addition to transporting passengers, its fleet also transports cargo, a service that is increasingly essential for the development of the local ecosystem. TAAG takes deep pride in its history, service and focus on continuous improvement.

ECC/MDS