Patrice Beaumelle tips Bafana as favourites

The Frenchman said he had full confidence in his own squad but acknowledged that Hugo Broos’ side carry the weight of expectation, with a lot of eyes on South Africa.

Beaumelle added that Angola are comfortable with their underdog status as they prepare to launch their campaign.

"I don't want to talk about the strategy but we are prepared for this match. Bafana Bafana are part of the teams that are favourites to win the competition, so that puts some pressure on them, and for us to be the outsiders is a good thing."

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Group B of the AFCON also includes Egypt as well as Zimbabwe – the Angola coach is hoping his charges are good enough to make the knockout phase.

Beaumelle did not want to concern himself too much with Angola’s poor record against South Africa over the years.

"I think statistics gets people talking, but the reality is it means very little. The target for us is to beat Bafana Bafana and start in a good way because the AFCON is a long process, so the start is very important."