Angola Coach: ‘We Faced A Top Team In Africa’

Patrice Beaumelle Looks Back At Bafana Defeat. Photo: Gallo Images

Angola coach Patrice Beaumelle has lauded Hugo Broos’ side following his team’s narrow 2-1 defeat to South Africa in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) opener.

Check Out: Appollis & Foster Give Bafana Winning Start At AFCON

Angola’s valiant effort against Bafana Bafana was not enough to walk away with any points as Lyle Foster’s 79th-minute winner ended the Palancas Negras’ hopes of victory.

Speaking during his post-match press conference, Beaumelle gave an account of the game and admitted his team lost to one of the best sides in Africa.

“Obviously, we are sad because we lost the first gam,e and when we start the competition, it’s important to start with points,” Beaumelle said.

“But facing a top team in Africa, I think we had a good game. We made two mistakes, and when we play such a team, we pay cash,” the Frenchman added.

“The first goal, we got back and tried to contain and apply the plan we prepared, but finally, we made another mistake. Congratulations, Bafana, and we have to keep our heads up,” Beaumelle added.

The French coach revealed that his team have not given up on their hopes of making it beyond the group stage.

“Ot’s certain that after a defeat, there is disappointment because we played an interesting match against a Bafana team that is continuing a 27-game unbeaten run,” Beaumelle said.

“We have a few more matches to play, to pick up points to get out of the group stage, so our next game against Zimbabwe will be crucial,” he added.

Beaumelle added that he was happy not to make it an easy game for South Africa, and he heaped praise on Hugo Broos’ men for continuing their 27-game unbeaten streak.

Check Out: Bafana Rival Watch: Salah Nets Late Winner For Egypt

Angola will face Zimbabwe in their second group game, while South Africa will battle Egypt in their next game, where victory for either side will likely secure a spot in the knockout phase.

Related tags