Beni Mukendi has stayed in Guimaraes rather than joining Angola for the international break. The 24-year-old was called up, but he will remain with Guimaraes as Vitória de Guimarães prepare for a busy stretch that includes the Taça de Portugal Minho derby against SC Braga on 21 November.
Guimaraes keep a regular midfield option
The decision matters because Beni has been involved throughout the 2026 Primeira Liga season. He has made 11 appearances, played 668 minutes and holds a 6.71 rating, which is enough to show he has been part of the regular rotation rather than a fringe option.
Staying put also spares him the travel involved in Angola's double header against South Sudan on 14 and 17 November. That leaves Guimaraes with one fewer selection issue before the derby, and it keeps a midfielder who has already been trusted for 11 league outings in place for the club's key week.
Another concern in defence
The break has not been entirely smooth for the squad. Toni Borevkovic suffered cranioencephalic trauma and needed nine stitches in the lip after the collision with Martim Fernandes in Sunday's 1-2 defeat to FC Porto.
Borevkovic has only played six times this season, so his setback adds another concern at the back while Beni stays available in midfield. Vitória now go into the derby build-up with one important player staying local and another defensive issue still needing attention on 21 November.
Written by Sam Whitfield with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →
