Angola's coach, Pedro Goncalves, has identified Ghana and his own team as the leading contenders to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Palancas Negras are placed in Group F along with Niger and Sudan for the qualifiers.
As the qualifying series kick off in September, Goncalves shared in an interview that he views Angola and four-time African champions Ghana as the prime candidates to secure spots in the tournament, which will be hosted in Morocco.
However, he underscored the necessity of respecting Sudan, pointing to their performance in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, and also acknowledged Niger's capabilities.
“The favorite is Ghana. They are the third-best African team at the AFCON, so they are the favorites. But we also believe that we have the chance to book a ticket for the AFCON," he told Ghanasportspage.
“Ghana and Angola have the chance to qualify, but we must respect Sudan and Niger. Sudan are currently leading their World Cup qualifiers group ahead of Senegal, so it’s not easy. They are also one-time champions of Africa, so we have to respect them.
“Niger also have a good side, so I believe that all the national teams have a chance. It will be a balanced group, and I believe Angola will qualify, but Ghana are the favorites to top the group,” he added.
In the opening games of the qualifiers, Angola will face Ghana at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi on September 2, while Niger will clash with Sudan.
The top two teams from the group will qualify for the tournament.