At the conclusion of the finale of Miss Angola 2017 held on 17th December 2016, Lauriela Márcia Martins was crowned as the winner. 19 year old Lauriela, who represented the province of Cabinda in the contest, succeeds Luísa Baptista as the new Miss Angola. She will now represent Angola at the Miss Universe 2017 pageant.

Lauriela is a student of architecture and defeated 22 other contenders to clinch the title. This is the fourth time that a representative from Cabinda has won the title of Miss Angola. Previously, Egidia Torres (1999), Ismênia Júnior (2006) and Zuleica Wilson (2014) were the representatives from Cabinda who won the title.

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At the same pageant, Eliane Lungoji was adjudged the First runner-up while Hermilinda Matos was titled the Second runner-up. In addition to announcing the winner and the runners-up, a series of Special Awards will also be awarded to the contestants under the categories –

Yulana da Costa - Miss Photogenic Award

Helena Muendo - Miss Friendly Award

Isabel Kanda - Traditional costume Award

Angola’s performance at Miss Universe has not been a very significance one, but the country won the Miss Universe title only once, in 2001 under the representation of Leila Lopes. After that, Angola never placed in the contest. Do you think Lauriela Marcia Martina has what it takes to bring back the Miss Universe crown to Angola?

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