Angola head coach Pedro Gonçalves has praised the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) as a vital platform for showcasing Africa’s local football talent, as he prepares to lead the Palancas Negras into a tricky 2024 tournament group that includes Morocco, DR Congo, Zambia, and co-hosts Kenya.
Reflecting on his six years in charge of Angola’s national team, the Portuguese coach struck a tone of both realism and ambition. He acknowledged the absence of some key players who’ve moved abroad, but said the team remains determined to push for a place in the quarterfinals.
“CHAN has become a window of opportunity for local players,” Gonçalves said in an interview with CAFOnline. “It’s not just a tournament. It’s a measure of how well we’re developing football structures at home.”
After a commanding 2–0 win away to Lesotho in their CHAN qualifier, Angola managed the return leg with squad rotation and still advanced despite a 1–0 defeat caused by a late penalty. Gonçalves said the team’s surge in the FIFA rankings helped them skip the first qualification round, though it left them with less time to prepare with domestic-based players.
He credited CAF for improving the quality of continental competitions and giving local players international exposure. “Africa holds the future of global football,” he said. “You can see the growing attention not just from the outside world, but also within the continent itself.”
With CHAN now just days away, Gonçalves called Group C the most competitive in the tournament. Morocco and DR Congo both have two CHAN titles. Kenya, as co-hosts, are investing heavily. Zambia and Angola are seen as underdogs, but Gonçalves insists they’ll fight hard.
“Our group is tough, but I believe in our squad. The players are hungry and committed. Reaching the quarterfinals would be a fantastic achievement,” he said.
He also hopes the tournament will spark a breakthrough for Southern Africa, a region yet to lift the CHAN trophy. “Seven COSAFA teams will be at the next AFCON. That’s real progress,” he said. “Now we need to turn participation into titles.”
Gonçalves remains focused on player development. “This team has the chance to play more games, and that’s valuable. The experience these players will gain could define their futures.”
Angola opens their campaign knowing the odds are long, but their coach sees opportunity in adversity. “We may not be the favorites,” he said, “but we will absolutely have something to say.”
