Angola's flagbearer at the Moscow 1980 Olympic Games Fernando Lopes has died ©Getty Images

Angolan Olympic Committee (COA) secretary general António Monteiro paid tribute to Fernando Lopes - the country's flagbearer at the Moscow 1980 Olympic Games - who has died aged 55.

Lopes was a swimmer in the 100 metre and 200m backstroke events, but competed in the 4x100m medley relay at Moscow 1980 when he was 15-years-old.

He was the youngest member of the Angolan delegation at the Games and carried the country's flag during the Opening Ceremony. 

"We were together on Saturday night and today I was surprised by the news of his death," said Monteiro, as reported by Angop. 

Angola has competed at seven Olympic Games in sports such as handball ©Getty Images
Angola has competed at seven Olympic Games in sports such as handball ©Getty Images

After his sporting career, Lopes entered the aviation industry. 

Angola made its debut Olympic appearance at Moscow 1980, with Lopes joined by 10 other competitors.

The country has since competed at six Olympic Games but is yet to win a medal. 

Twenty-five athletes represented Angola at Rio 2016, in athletics, women's handball, judo, rowing, sailing, shooting and swimming.