Bloemfontein, South Africa – 30 May 20205 | Angola coach Pedro Goncalves is optimistic of defending the COSAFA Cup title his side won in 2024. It is an incredibly busy six months for Palancas Negras as they compete in Mangaung, Bloemfontein from June 4-15, and also take part in the TotalEnergies CAF CHAN finals in August, and the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco at the end of the year.
Not forgetting they must also complete their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier campaign in September and October. No team rose higher in the FIFA World Rankings in 2024 as Angola jumped 32 places to 85, in part on the back of their HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Cup triumph.
Goncalves is currently the longest serving national team coach in African football having been in his post since 2019 and has worked in the country for the past decade.
He gives us insight into his team and the current state of Angolan football.
