Angola secured a crucial 2-0 victory against Niger on Friday, moving them within touching distance of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. Playing in front of a spirited home crowd in Luanda, Angola dominated the match, with goals from Mabululu in the 75th minute and Milson ten minutes later, propelling them to the top of Group F with nine points from three games.
Despite the triumph, Angola’s head coach, Pedro Gonçalves, urged caution, reminding his team to remain grounded as they edge closer to booking their place in the tournament.
“Angola is experiencing a moment of contagious joy! This victory reinforces the unity and happiness that reigns around the team.
However, we must remain cautious and keep our feet on the ground,” Gonçalves said after the match.
A Step Closer to AFCON Qualification
Angola’s victory over Niger not only solidified their position at the top of Group F but also brought them closer to making another appearance in Africa’s premier football competition.
Gonçalves’ team has been in fine form throughout the qualifiers, and this latest result adds to their growing momentum.
The Portuguese coach, who guided Angola to the quarter-finals in a previous edition of the tournament, appears poised to lead his side to further success as they continue their push toward the final stages of AFCON 2025.
Gonçalves’ World Cup Ambitions
Beyond the immediate target of AFCON, Pedro Gonçalves has set his sights on a bigger goal — qualifying Angola for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The coach, in an interview, expressed his ambition to see Angola return to the global stage, a feat they last achieved two decades ago.
“The ultimate goal is to take Angola to the 2026 World Cup, 20 years after our last participation. It is the dream of all Angolans.
We know it will not be easy, but we have the potential to achieve it,” he said.
Angola faces stiff competition in their World Cup qualifying group, particularly from Cameroon, who Gonçalves acknowledges as the group’s natural favorite.
However, he remains optimistic about his team’s chances: “Cameroon is the natural favorite of our group, but we are ready to take up the challenge.
Our ambition is clear: to participate in the World Cup.”
Africa’s Growing Potential on the Global Stage
When asked about Africa’s chances of winning a World Cup in the near future, Gonçalves tempered expectations but acknowledged the progress made by African nations.
“I don’t think it will happen in 2026, even though Morocco led the way by reaching the semi-finals in 2022. Africa has potential, but it will take a few more years to reach that level.
However, nations like Algeria, Egypt, Ivory Coast, and Nigeria are well placed to do great things.”
With Angola’s latest victory over Niger, the team has not only strengthened its position in the AFCON qualifiers but also positioned itself as a rising force in African football.
Gonçalves’ leadership, combined with the team’s growing confidence, signals a bright future as they pursue success on both the continental and global stages.
