Luanda - The senior men's national roller hockey team on Wednesday lost 3-7 to Argentina in the first round of group A at the 69th edition of the Montreux Tournament in Switzerland.
Coached by Alberto Domingos "Jó", Angola's goals were scored by Neri and Rafael Lourenço (twice), while on the Argentinian side Danilo Rampulla, Facundo Bridge and Lucas Ordonez, Gonzalo Romero and Lucas Martinez scored.
In this challenge of the champions, which Angola team last played in January 2023 on Argentinian soil for the World Cup, the hosts won 4-0.
In the game also known as the Easter tournament, Angola's best ever position was third in 2015.
On Thursday Angola play Italy and on Saturday they will face HC Montreux to close the regular phase.
France, Switzerland, Spain and Portugal made up group B.
The traditional competition brings together the world's leading players in the sport, namely Angola (African champion), Argentina (world champion), Portugal (world and European runners-up), Spain (European champion), Italy and Switzerland, the hosts.
During two weeks, the Angolan team completed a a pre-competitive stage in São João da Madeira region, Portugal.
The tournament is a preparation for the World Skating Games, scheduled for Novara, Italy, in September.
WR/VAB/MRA/jmc
