Angola close to appointing French trainer Patrice Beaumelle as new head coach

Angola are closing in on the appointment of Frenchman Patrice Beaumelle as their new national team coach, barely a week after parting ways with Pedro Gonçalves.

The Angola Football Federation (FAF) confirmed last week that Gonçalves had stepped down by mutual agreement after six years in charge, following a disappointing start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

According to reports from France, Beaumelle is expected to sign a two-year contract with the Palancas Negras.

The 47-year-old has been without a club since leaving Qatari side Umm Salal SC in June 2025.

Beaumelle boasts extensive experience on the African continent, having previously worked with Zambia, Ivory Coast, Morocco, as well as club sides USM Alger and MC Alger.

Gonçalves, who took over in 2019, led Angola to back-to-back COSAFA Cup triumphs and guided them to multiple Africa Cup of Nations appearances before his departure.