Born in Luanda, Angola, Edgar was a product of S.L. Benfica's youth system, making his debut with the first team at only 18 by playing 45 minutes in a 1–0 away win against F.C. Tirsense on 26 August 1995 and finishing his first season with 21 appearances and two goals. He was regularly used during his spell, but mainly from the bench, and also served a six-month loan at F.C. Alverca who acted as the farm team, in the second division.