AFCON 2025: It will be a disappointment not to qualify for the next round – Angola goalkeeper Hugo Marques

Angola goalkeeper Hugo Marques has set high expectations for his side ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), insisting that failing to progress beyond the group stage would be a major setback.

The Palancas Negras have been drawn in Group B alongside seven-time champions Egypt, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.

Angola’s best performances at AFCON came in 2010 and 2023, when they reached the quarter-finals.

“We’re preparing to get through the group stage, and we think it’s possible. With a win in the group, we can get into the top third straight away, and that’s good,” Marques said, per Flashscore.

“At the last AFCON, Angola weren’t favourites in the group either and they came first, so that can tell you a lot about what’s to come in the Round of 16. Firstly, you could meet a third-placed team from another group.

“We have to do our job and try to get as far up the group as possible.

“From what we’ve been doing, if we don’t get through the group stage, it’ll be a big disappointment,” he added.

Angola will kick off their Group B campaign against South Africa on 22 December.