Angola Coach: We Can Cause An Upset Against Bafana
Angola coach Patrice Beaumelle has expressed great respect for Bafana Bafana, who are currently on a 20-plus match unbeaten run, but believes his side is capable of causing a major upset.
Bafana Bafana will face Angola in their opening Group B match at the Stade de Marrakech on Monday, marking the fifth meeting between the two nations at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Angola, however, face a tough challenge, having never beaten South Africa in those previous encounters, with two defeats and two draws. This history has Beaumelle, who was appointed three months ago, expecting a high-level contest against a confident South African side.
“We are facing a team that comes into this tournament with a lot of belief,” the Frenchman told the CAF website.
“South Africa is on a run of 26 matches without defeat. They are a team that has found its balance and is already projecting towards their next World Cup.”
Despite South Africa’s impressive form, the Palancas Negras are approaching the match without fear.
“We are capable of causing problems for any team,” Beaumelle added. “We have shown that we can handle pressure and deliver strong performances, as we did against Argentina.”
Drawn in a competitive group that also includes Egypt and Zimbabwe, Angola’s objectives are clear.
“For us, the key is to start the tournament well and get out of the group stage,” Beaumelle explained.
The Angolan coach is no stranger to AFCON success, having won the tournament as assistant coach to Hervé Renard with Zambia in 2012 and Ivory Coast in 2015.
“We have a lot of humility, but we are not afraid of anyone. We are ready to take on the challenge,” he said.
“Statistics matter, but every competition is different. The tournament lasts a month, and the most important thing is not only beating South Africa, but making a successful start to our AFCON.”
Angola captain Fredy Ribeiro echoed his coach’s sentiments, highlighting the importance of the opening match.
“A good start is essential in a competition like the AFCON,” Ribeiro said. “We know the match will be difficult, but we are ready. If we win, that’s very good. If not, there will still be two matches left to achieve our objective.”
