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Angola head coach Patrice Beaumelle has insisted his side are ready to test themselves against any opponent at the Africa Cup of Nations, as they prepare to open their campaign against South Africa on Monday.
Speaking ahead of the Group B clash, the French coach struck a confident tone while acknowledging the scale of the challenge facing the Palancas Negras.
Beaumelle praised South Africa’s current form, noting their long unbeaten run and the stability they have developed as a squad.
“We are facing a team that is coming into this game with a lot of confidence.
South Africa are on a 26-match unbeaten streak,” he said, pointing to a side that has found balance and is already setting its sights on qualification for the next World Cup.
Despite that respect for the opposition, Beaumelle made it clear Angola will not approach the match with caution or fear.
He believes his players have the quality and mentality to trouble any team in the competition, drawing on past experiences to underline that belief.
“We are capable of causing problems for any team,” he said, stressing his squad’s ability to rise to big occasions. He recalled Angola’s performance against Argentina as evidence that his players can handle pressure and deliver strong displays against top-level opponents.
With Egypt and Zimbabwe also in a demanding group, Beaumelle has identified a fast start as crucial to Angola’s hopes of progressing. He explained that navigating the group stage successfully remains the primary objective.
“The challenge for us is to start the competition well and make it out of the group,” he said. While mindful of statistics and form, Beaumelle emphasised that tournaments often take on a life of their own, adding that consistency over the course of the month-long competition will matter more than any single result.
“The Africa Cup of Nations lasts a month,” he added. “The most important thing is not only beating South Africa but also starting the tournament in the right way.”
