Luanda - The Côte d'Ivoire ambassador to Angola, Jean-Marie Santiéro, said Tuesday in Luanda that Angola deserves respect in the African Cup of Nations to start Saturday in Cote d'Ivoire.
Speaking to Angola National Radio (RNA) ahead of the start of the continental competition, the diplomat considered Angola to be a power that still needs to impose itself in Africa, but which "should not be ignored".
The diplomat said he recognizes that Angola is well known in men's basketball (11 titles) and women's handball (15), but not in football.
"Even so, I'm sure that the Angolan team can't be ignored in this competition, where they'll be able to give their best. Angolans are very passionate about football, so a lot of good things can happen," the diplomat said.
CAN 2023 which was due to take place in 2023 was further changed to this year by decision of the Confederation of African Football.
Angola are in group D, alongside Algeria, Mauritania and Burkina Faso.
FN/DAN /AMP
