2018 Girabola


The 2018 Girabola was the 40th season of top-tier football in Angola. The season ran from 10 February to 2 September 2018.
The league comprised 16 teams, the bottom three of which were relegated to the 2019 Provincial stages.
Primeiro de Agosto won their third title in a row, qualifying to the 2018–19 CAF Champions League.
On an exceptional basis, on account of the Angola Cup not being contested this season, Petro de Luanda, the runner up, qualified to the 2018–19 CAF Confederation Cup.

Teams

A total of 16 teams contested the league, including 13 sides from the 2017 season and three promoted from the 2017 Segundona - Cuando Cubango FC, Domant FC and Sporting de Cabinda.
On the other hand, Progresso da Lunda Sul, ASA and Santa Rita de Cássia were the last three teams of the 2017 season and will play in their respective provincial leagues seeking qualification for the 2018 2nd division qualifiers. Clube Desportivo Primeiro de Agosto were the defending champions from the 2017 season.

Changes from 2017 season

Relegated: ASA, Progresso da Lunda Sul, Santa Rita de Cássia
Promoted: Cuando Cubango FC, Domant FC, Sporting de Cabinda

J.G.M. withdrawal

In late April, J.G.M. submitted a withdrawal request to the Angolan Football Federation citing financial reasons. The request was granted. As a result, all points won in games against J.G.M. were withdrawn.

FIFA penalties

In May, FIFA has instructed the Angolan Football Federation that Kabuscorp should forfeit 6 points as a result of being in default to their former star player Rivaldo. In a weekly report issued by the Angolan federation, it is further stated that the club may be banned from official competition in case the claimant files a new complaint.
In June, FIFA again ruled that Kabuscorp forfeits 6 points in the League for being in default with TP Mazembe in the 2014 deal with DRC midfielder Trésor Mputu.
In July, FIFA ruled that Progresso Associação do Sambizanga forfeits 6 points in the League for being in default with Ghanaian striker Raphael Kwaku Obeng.

Stadiums and locations

TeamHome cityStadiumCapacity2017 season
Académica do LobitoLobitoEstádio do Buraco15,00012th in Girabola
Bravos do MaquisLuenaEstádio Mundunduleno4,30011th in Girabola
Cuando Cubango FCMenongueCampo Municipal5,0002nd in Segundona
Desportivo da HuílaLubangoEstádio do Ferroviário da Huíla25,0009th in Girabola
Domant FCCaxitoEstádio Municipal5,0001st in Segundona
InterclubeLuandaEstádio 22 de Junho7,0006th in Girabola
J.G.M.HuamboEstádio dos Kurikutelas5,00013th in Girabola
KabuscorpLuandaEstádio dos Coqueiros12,0004th in Girabola
Petro de LuandaLuandaEstádio 11 de Novembro50,0002nd in Girabola
Primeiro de AgostoLuandaEstádio 11 de Novembro50,000Girabola Champions
Primeiro de MaioBenguelaEstádio Edelfride Costa6,00010th in Girabola
Progresso do SambizangaLuandaEstádio dos Coqueiros12,0007th in Girabola
Recreativo da CaálaCaálaEstádio Mártires da Canhala12,0008th in Girabola
Recreativo do LiboloCaluloEstádio Municipal10,0005th in Girabola
Sagrada EsperançaDundoEstádio Sagrada Esperança8,0003rd in Girabola
Sporting de CabindaCabindaEstádio do Tafe9,0003rd in Segundona

League table

Results

Positions by round

Clubs season progress

Season statistics

Top scorers

Hat-tricks

Squad:
Julião, Neblú, Tony Cabaça '
Bobo, Bonifácio, Dani, Guelor, Isaac, Natael, Paizo, Yisa
'
Ary Papel, Buá, Geraldo, Gogoró, Macaia, Mário, Mingo Bile, Mongo, Nelson, Show '
Jacques, Fofó, Mabululu, Melono, Razaq, Vanilson
'
Zoran Manojlović