2023 AFCON qualifiers: Our challenge is to beat Ghana in Luanda on Monday - Angola coach

Angola national team coach, Pedro Goncalves, believes the Palancas Negras are capable of beating Ghana on Monday in the reverse fixture of their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying tie in Luanda.

The Southern African country suffered a heartbreaking defeat to the Black Stars on Thursday in the first leg at Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

They are now looking to bounce back after causing problems for Chris Hughton in his first game as Ghana coach.

Goncalves admits Ghana is favourite but they will give everything to overcome the Black Stars in the Angola capital this coming Monday.

“We need to keep our focus in these two games to stay on course. I believe we can beat Ghana although for sure will be hard – but will be hard for Ghana to beat us too”, Pedro Goncalves told ghanasportspage.com.

“Our challenge right now is to play and win against Ghana even if, for sure, they are the favourites of the group.

“They were one of five African nations at the World Cup and they definitely grew from that experience and strengthened with players from England and one of the better strikers from LaLiga.”

Ghana leads Group E with seven points from three games and will be looking to further strengthen their chances of qualifying for next year’s tournament in Ivory Coast with a positive result in Luanda.