From 2003 to 2007, after a brief loan, Mendonça appeared regularly for Varzim, with the club again in the second level. He returned to the top flight in 2007–08, but played in only 14 games for C.F. Os Belenenses and C.F. Estrela da Amadora combined, which prompted a return to his previous team, still in division two; whilst with Varzim, on 10 February 2007, he scored the 2–1 home winner that ousted giants S.L. Benfica from the Taça de Portugal.[2][3]
In the 2009 offseason, Mendonça returned to his country and signed with G.D. Interclube. The following year he joined C.D. Primeiro de Agosto, his first club as a senior.
Mendonça was picked for the squad that appeared at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, a first-ever for the country. He played in all three group stage games – 270 minutes – as the Palancas Negras managed two points;[5] additionally, he participated in two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
International goals
Scores and results list Angola's goal tally first.[4]