The South African nation equaled a quarter-final record at the continental championship, but could only go so far
The President of the Republic of Angola has praised the national football team’s performance in the 2023 African Cup of Nations despite their loss against Nigeria, Soccernet.ng reported.
Paranacas Negras gave the South African nation a reason to dream as they reached the AFCON quarter-finals for the third time in the country’s history.
Angola faced Nigeria on Friday night and looked set to reach the semi-finals of the tournament for the first time.
However, the Super Eagles won 1-0 in Abidjan, eliminating the Angolans from the competition.
Nonetheless, the President of the Republic urged the people of Palancas Negras not to grieve, as the country is proud of the heroic deeds in Ivory Coast.
“We have done well in this CAN, but we must improve and learn from our mistakes,” wrote the Angolan President (translator) on his official X account on the social network.
“Don’t be discouraged. The next one is ours and it’s up to all of us, MINJUD, FAF, Palancas and all Angola fans.”
Neste CAN estivemos bem, mas precisamos de melhorar aprendendo com os erros. Não desanimar, o próximo será nosso, só dependendo de todos nós, do MINJUD, FAF, dos Palancas e de todos os angolanos torcedores.
— João Lourenço (@jlprdeangola) February 2, 2024
Before the match at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium, President Lorenzo was confident of Angola’s victory, writing:
“Fortress Palancas. Forca Angola. The people are united. We will win!”
However, Ademola Lookman’s first-half shot was enough to bring the Angolans to their knees and send Nigeria to the AFCON semi-finals.
South Africa and Cape Verde will meet today in the quarter-finals of the tournament, with the winner facing Nigeria in the semi-finals.
