Aliou Cissé set for first matches as Angola coach against Botswana and CAR

Aliou Cissé will take charge of Angola for the first time in June when the Palancas Negras face Botswana and the Central African Republic in friendly matches scheduled in Casablanca.

The fixtures, confirmed by the Angolan Football Federation on 26 April, will see Angola play the Central African Republic on 5 June before meeting Botswana four days later. Both matches will be staged in Morocco as part of preparations during the international break.

These encounters mark the official start of Cissé’s tenure following his appointment on 9 April. The Senegalese coach succeeds Patrice Beaumelle and arrives with the task of guiding Angola into a new phase, with expectations shaped by his previous achievements on the continental stage.

Cissé built a strong reputation during his time in charge of Senegal, where he led the team to victory at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

That success has heightened anticipation around what he can bring to the Angolan national side, which is aiming to re-establish itself as a competitive force in African football.

The upcoming fixtures are expected to serve primarily as an opportunity for assessment and preparation. With a new coaching staff in place, the matches will allow for a closer evaluation of available players, as well as experimentation with tactical approaches and team structure.

Angola are entering a period of rebuilding, and these early games are seen as a crucial step in shaping the direction of the team.

Establishing cohesion within the squad and introducing a clear playing identity will be among the immediate priorities.

Attention will also focus on the decisions Cissé makes regarding squad selection and tactical setup during this first camp.

The matches against Botswana and the Central African Republic will provide an early indication of his approach as he begins work with the group.

For Angola, the June fixtures represent more than just friendlies—they signal the beginning of a new chapter under a coach tasked with delivering progress and laying the groundwork for future success.