The conflict between Portuguese forces and the Kingdom of Kongo escalated in the mid-17th century, driven by the Portuguese interest in expanding their influence and control over trade in Central Africa. King António I, also known as Nvita a Nkanga, sought to resist this incursion and maintain Kongo's sovereignty. Tensions reached a boiling point, leading to military confrontation. The Portuguese, equipped with better armaments and organized military strategies, achieved a significant victory over the Kongo troops. After overcoming the King's forces, António I was captured and subsequently executed, an act that would resonate throughout the region and symbolize the weakening of Kongo's political power.

The execution of King António I marked a pivotal moment in both the history of Kongo and the broader context of European colonialism in Africa. His death not only eliminated a prominent figure of resistance against Portuguese imperial ambitions but also instigated a power vacuum within Kongo. This, in turn, paved the way for the decline of Kongo's central authority and the fragmentation of its territories. Additionally, the Portuguese solidified their dominance over the region, facilitating further exploitation of its resources and disruption of local political structures. The aftermath of this event had profound implications on the socio-political dynamics in Central Africa, shaping relations between European powers and African kingdoms for decades to come.