Angola coach makes Bafana admission after defeat in AFCON opener

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Angola coach on Bafana exploits

Photo: Angola Football Federation

Angola national team head coach Patrice Beaumelle has made an honest admission regarding Bafana Bafana after falling 2-1 to Hugo Broos' side in their AFCON opener on Monday.

The Palancas Negras were downed by strikes from Oswin Appollis in the first half and Lyle Foster in the second stanza, despite Manuel Show restoring parity by half-time.

Speaking after the match, Beaumelle admitted his team was under no illusions about the strength of Bafana, who stretched their unbeaten run against Angola in the continental showpiece to five games.

“We knew that it was difficult to play Bafana Bafana. Maybe some people were thinking it could have been an easy game for Bafana Bafana, but I think we played a strong game. It was not easy, we had some opportunity to score as well,” he said.

"But the statistic continue, congratulations Bafana Bafana. As I said, statistics against Angola continue but [other] statistics as well - 27 games without any defeat, so congratulations.

On Angola's chances in the competition, the Frenchman is optimistic his team can make it to the knockout stages, provided they address the mistakes they made against South Africa.

“It's a long competition and we have to get points to still survive in the group stage. The second game in three games will be already crucial for us to get points. But it's football,” added Beaumelle, who was appointed in September.

"We lost one today but the atmosphere in the dressing room is positive because we respected the plan, we made too many mistakes and then when you make too many mistakes facing such a team, it's difficult.

"So, we just have to work and correct that and to be more efficient against Zimbabwe to get points and see after the next game what is going to happen. But we are still alive.

Angola will battle for crucial three points with Zimbabwe on Friday, 26 December, with the Warriors having also suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Egypt.