It’s the end of an era for Angola following the sacking of long-term national team coach Pedro Gonçalves.
In a statement carried by Portuguese outlet A Bola, the Angolan Football Federation (FAF) board of directors said the decision was taken on its own initiative, marking the close of a tenure that has left a strong imprint on Angolan football.
“Pedro Gonçalves was more than a coach; he was a partner, a leader who believed in Angola’s potential and gave face and dignity to a team that dreamed again,” the FAF said.
Gonçalves enjoyed a relatively successful tenure after being appointed in 2019.
He led the Palancas Negras to consecutive COSAFA Cup triumphs and masterminded their run to the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast — Angola’s first last-eight appearance at the continental showpiece in 14 years.
But alongside those highs came setbacks.
The national team endured underwhelming campaigns at successive African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournaments in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, failing to progress beyond the group stage.
Their hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup were also dashed earlier than expected, with Angola eliminated from qualifying with two matches still to play.
That combination of disappointment and stalled progress ultimately convinced FAF to make a change, ending Gonçalves’ five-year reign.
The federation has not yet named his successor but indicated that preparations are already underway for the next phase of the national team project.
Gonçalves leaves behind a legacy of restoring competitiveness and pride to Angolan football, even if recent results fell short of expectations.
