Angola coach Pedro Goncalves vows to conquer COSAFA Cup again

Goncalves (centre): Photo Credit: COSAFA media.

Boasting a sharp attack and mean defence, Angola’s senior national football team coach, Pedro Goncalves, has warned that his mission is to retain the COSAFA Cup.

The warning comes after the Palancas Negras delivered yet another devastating performance, dismantling Madagascar 4-1 in the semifinal on Friday. The holders took their tally to nine goals in four games while conceding just twice.

Now, the Portuguese-born coach said reaching the final, where they take on South Africa in Bloemfontein, was part of their objectives at the tournament.

"It was one of the proposals. The main proposal is to come here and have exciting and competitive matches to develop our performance and our mentality,” Goncalves explained.

“We are in the process of conquering the right to be in the final. It is very good and very important for Angolan football. We will for sure put all our efforts into conquering the tournament.”

The defending champions emerged from the group stages with a 1-1 draw against Namibia, 4-0 and 1-0 wins over Lesotho and Malawi, respectively, on the way to the final.

The last hurdle for Angola is a meeting against Bafana Bafana, who saw off Comoros 3-1 in another semi final played on Friday. The final takes place on Sunday at 3pm Southern African time.