Angola coach, Pedro Goncalves, has settled on Ghana and his side as the favourites to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Palancas Negras are placed in Group F alongside Niger and Sudan for the qualifiers.
As the qualifying series begin in September, Goncalves expressed in an interview that he considers Angola and the four-time African champions Ghana as the top contenders to secure spots in the tournament, which will be hosted in Morocco.
However, he emphasized the importance of respecting Sudan, citing their performance in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, and also commended Niger.
“The favourite is Ghana. They are the third best African team at the AFCON so they are the favourites. But we also believe that we have the chance to achieve or book a ticket for the AFCON,” he told Ghanasportspage.
“Ghana and Angola have the chance to qualify but we must respect Sudan and also 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 the chance. It will be a balanced group and I believe Angola will qualify but Ghana are the favourites 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.
