Luanda - The challenge to win the first points is the main goal of the Angolan National Football Team, in the game against the counterpart from Ghana on Thursday, 5pm, at the Baba Yara Stadium, in Kumasi, to qualify for the African Cup of Nations (CAN2025), in Morocco, the coach Pedro Gonçalves said in Luanda.
Speaking to the press, on Tuesday, at the end of the last training session, at the 11 de Novembro Stadium, the coach stated that he faced the opponent of the first round of Group F, solely focused on seeking the necessary score, to galvanize the Angolan team, even outside.
Recognizing the capabilities and potential of Ghana (Black Stars), the coach said that it is a team full of talents, especially in the offensive midfield, with players from the world's elite, but who can also be countered by the Angolans, who were not inferior in terms of two previous challenges.
He explained that the national team has been growing sportingly, which motivates them to think about playing a great game and, naturally, getting the required points to qualify for CAN.
Regarding the preparation of the Palancas Negras, the name of the Angolan team, he said that they have a strong team, despite the little training time with the group, but that it will not interfere with their objectives.
“We have already conveyed a set of ideas to the players about everything that should be implemented in Thursday's game in Kumasi”. Although only 12 members worked on Monday, of the 25 called up, the rest ended up arriving from a trip,” he said.
This Tuesday, the training session was attended by the largest number, in this case, 21 players. To complete the group, the other two will join the game stage, because Manuel Benson is unfortunately injured and under the care of the medical department.
Because of this, the coach regretted not being able to count on the aforementioned player in the clash with Ghana, hoping that his injury would not be serious.
“It's a big loss for the group, but we have built trust with a core of players, who are motivated and determined to fight for points in this qualification”, he stressed.
After the meeting with Ghana's counterpart, on the 9th, Angola will host Sudan's counterpart, at the 11 de Novembro Stadium, at 8pm, in Luanda.
The National Team, which traveled to Ghana today, is made up of the following players:
Goalkeepers: Neblu, Dominique, Ricardo Baptista. Defenses: Bastos Quissanga, Jonathan Buatu, Clinton Mata, David Carmo, Jordi Gaspar, Kialunda Gaspar, Nurio Fortuna, Pedro Francisco, Sandro. Midfielders: Fredy, Maestro, Show, Galiano, Randy Nteka, Estrela. Forwards: Zine Salvador, Mabululu, Milson, Gelson Dalla, Depú and Zito Luvumbo. BSV/VAB/DOJ
