2025 AFCON Qualifiers: It’s a wonderful opportunity for us – Angola coach Pedro Goncalves on facing Ghana

Angola coach Pedro Goncalves says it’s a wonderful opportunity for his outfit to face Ghana in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Black Stars will play host to the Palancas Negras at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi on Thursday, September 5 before traveling to face Niger in Berkane, Morocco on September 9, 2025.

Goncalves, who is desperate to secure maximum points in an interview with Ghanasportspage.com said it’s a wonderful opportunity for his side to face Ghana.

“I’ve been with the Angolan national team for five years, and in that time, we’ve developed a mentality that we want to compete with the biggest countries in African football. It’s not about being afraid but about challenging ourselves to play against the best teams. Facing Ghana, the third-best team in Africa, is a wonderful opportunity for us. Only Egypt and Cameroon have a better history than Ghana,”

He continued, “Ghana has quality players from the Premier League, Ligue 1, Portugal, and other top leagues. For us, it’s about being brave, playing football, and doing our best to challenge ourselves and aim for the win. Getting the three points is crucial, and we will give our all to achieve that.”

Meanwhile, the West Africa powerhouse commenced preparation for the two crucial games on Monday at the Accra Sports with only ten players from the overall 23 players invited for the task ahead.

Players present at Monday's training included Thomas Partey, Tariq Lamptey, Joseph Wollacott, Ibrahim Osman, Jonas Adjetey, Antoine Semenyo, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Frederick Asare, Ebenezer Annan, and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku.

The Black Stars will depart Accra to Kumasi on Tuesday to continue preparation for the Angola game.