Angola’s head coach, Pedro Gonçalves, has expressed his determination to secure maximum points against Ghana in their upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
The Palancas Negras will face the Black Stars at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi on Thursday, September 5, before traveling to Berkane, Morocco, to take on Niger on September 9, 2025.
Speaking ahead of the crucial clash, the Portuguese tactician emphasized the importance of winning the match and highlighted Angola's ambition to compete with Africa's top footballing nations.
“I’ve been with the Angolan national team for five years, and during that time, we’ve developed a mentality focused on competing with the biggest countries in African football. It’s not about being afraid but about challenging ourselves to play against the best teams. Facing Ghana, the third-best team in Africa, is a wonderful opportunity for us. Only Egypt and Cameroon have a better history than Ghana,” Gonçalves said in an interview with Ghanasportspage.com.
He added, “Ghana has quality players from the Premier League, Ligue 1, Portugal, and other top leagues. For us, it’s about being brave, playing football, and doing our best to challenge ourselves and aim for the win. Getting the three points is crucial, and we will give our all to achieve that.”
Meanwhile, the Black Stars have begun their preparations for the two crucial fixtures, with ten players participating in the initial training session at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday. Among those present were Thomas Partey, Tariq Lamptey, Joseph Wollacott, Ibrahim Osman, Jonas Adjetey, Antoine Semenyo, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Frederick Asare, Ebenezer Annan, and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku.
