After learning that Angola will be competing against Bafana Bafana and Egypt at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, head coach Pedro Soares Goncalves has outlined what his team need to do to progress from the group stage.
The Portuguese tactician has acknowledged the challenge that lies ahead in Group B of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to be hosted in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.
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The Palancas Negras have been drawn into a tough group alongside record seven-time AFCON champions Egypt, 2023 bronze medallists South Africa, and a Zimbabwe side determined to make an impression.
Speaking to Btolat about the draw, Goncalves admitted the difficulty of the group but remained focused on his side's ambitions.
"We will certainly play very difficult matches, but in the group stage, all we need to do is give our best," he stated.
He further emphasised the importance of building confidence and maintaining stability to compete with the continent's best.
"We need to gain confidence and stability in order to appear strongly among the teams favoured for the tournament.
"Our goal will be to improve on our last AFCON performance," he said, referencing Angola's quarter-final finish in the 2023 edition.
Goncalves highlighted the pedigree of their group opponents, acknowledging the stiff competition they will face.
"We will face the Egyptian team, the team that has won the most titles in the tournament, South Africa, which won the bronze medal in the last African Cup of Nations, and Zimbabwe succeeded in returning once again to the ranks of the best teams on the continent."
However, the Angolan tactician remains optimistic about his squad's chances, insisting that hard work and commitment will be key to success.
"Hard work is what will take us as far as possible. All I ask from my players is that we perform at our best level in the next edition of the Africa Cup of Nations."
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