AFCON 2023: Angola President João Lourenço reacts after Nigeria stopped Palancas Negras from making history

The southern African nation equalled their quarterfinals record at the continental championship but could only go so far

President of the Republic of Angola has expressed his delight with the national football team’s performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations despite their elimination at the hands of Nigeria, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Palanacas Negras gave the southern African nation a reason to dream after they made it to the quarterfinals of the AFCON for only the third time in the country’s history.

Angola targeted a first-ever appearance in the semifinals of the tournament when they faced Nigeria on Friday evening.

However, the Super Eagles recorded a well-deserved 1-0 win in Abidjan to send the Angolans out of the competition.

Still, the President of the Republic has urged the Palancas Negras not to be heartbroken as the country is proud of their exploits in Cote d’Ivoire.

“In this CAN we did well, but we need to improve, learning from our mistakes,” the Angolan President wrote (translated) on his official X social network account.

“Don’t be discouraged; the next one will be ours, just depending on all of us, MINJUD, FAF, Palancas, and all Angolan 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 encounter played inside the Félix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, President Lourenço was convinced of an Angolan victory when he wrote:

“Força Palancas. Força Angola. The nation is united. We will win!”

Ademola Lookman’s first-half strike, however, humbled the Angolans, proving enough to propel Nigeria into the last four of the AFCON.

South Africa and Cape Verde will face off today in the last quarterfinal fixture of the tournament, with the winner scheduled to lock horns with Nigeria in the semifinals.