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Innocent Kurira
THE highly anticipated 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) draw has set the stage for an exciting competition, with Zimbabwe, Angola, South Africa and Egypt all placed in the tough Group B. The tournament, scheduled to take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, will see these teams battle for supremacy, with each coach offering insights into their strategy and expectations.
Angola’s Coach Goncalves stresses hard work and stability
Angola’s head coach, Pedro Soares Goncalves, has acknowledged the challenge that lies ahead for his team in a competitive Group B. Despite the presence of heavyweights like Egypt and South Africa, Goncalves remains confident in his squad’s ability to compete.
“We will certainly play very difficult matches, but in the group stage, all we need to do is give our best,” said Goncalves.
He further emphasised the need for his team to build confidence and maintain stability, highlighting Angola’s objective of improving on their quarter-final finish from the 2023 edition.
“Our goal will be to improve on our last Afco performance,” Goncalves added. Despite the formidable opposition, he believes that hard work will be key to success, stating, “All I ask from my players is that we perform at our best level in the next edition of the Africa Cup of Nations.”
Zimbabwe’s Nees Optimistic, but Cautious
Zimbabwe, led by German coach Michael Nees, will return to the continental stage after missing the 2023 edition due to a Fifa suspension. Despite being placed in a tough group alongside the likes of South Africa, Angola and Egypt, Nees believes the draw is fair.
“Three teams from Cosafa. No secrets here, the teams know each other very well,” Nees said, acknowledging the familiarity between the teams, particularly with South Africa and Angola. He also noted the challenge Egypt presents as “record champions and one of the tournament favourites.”
Nees is, however, hopeful the Warriors can make it out of the group stage.
“We need to be up to the challenge straight from the beginning, but with good preparations, we can meet the challenge,” he stated.
Despite the tough competition, he expressed confidence in Zimbabwe’s chances, stressing, “We respect our opponents, but we have all self-belief in our own strength and skills.”
Egypt’s Hassan eyes another Afcon title
Egypt’s coach, Hossam Hassan, was eager to discuss his team’s ambitions following the draw. With seven Afcon titles already in their trophy cabinet, Hassan is determined to extend the Pharaohs’ dominance on the continent.
“We are proud because we have won seven times,” said Hassan. He highlighted the significance of star players like Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush in Egypt’s quest for another title.
“I am lucky as a coach to have him (Salah). We have a player among the best in the world,” he added, emphasising the importance of these players in Egypt’s bid for glory.
South Africa’s Broos Confident Against Neighbors
South Africa’s Belgian coach Hugo Broos is also preparing for a challenging but familiar group. Having faced Zimbabwe numerous times, Broos is confident in his team’s chances.
“Zimbabwe is a neighbour of South Africa, and it’s always a very difficult game for us,” Broos said. Despite the rivalry, South Africa has had a strong record against Zimbabwe, winning three times and drawing once.
“Winning against Zimbabwe is very possible in an Afcon,” Broos asserted, as he looks to guide his team to another successful tournament. With the tournament fast approaching, all four teams in Group B are focused on preparation and strategy, knowing that the road to Afcon glory will not be easy.
