Speaking to the newspaper O PAÍS, the president of the Angolan Handball Federation (FAAND), José do Amaral “Maninho”, despite recognizing the capacity of France, runner-up in the world and European champion, Slovenia and Iceland, in the group D, believes that the African Pearls have the technical and administrative conditions to reach the next stage in the competition that Denmark, Norway and Sweden will host from November 29th to December 17th
The head of FAAND, José do Amaral “Maninho” admitted a certain degree of difficulties that the group will go through to reach the other stage on the competition stage in the Old Continent.
Because of this, the president considered that Vivaldo Eduardo’s men will have little chance of defeating France, vice-champion of the world and champion of Europe, in group D, where Slovenia and Iceland are also present, as they have a history that does not require presentation.
However, José do Amaral “Maninho” highlighted that Slovenia and Iceland are within reach of the national combine, as they have weaknesses in the defensive and offensive sector on the field.
At the 2021 World Cup, held in Spain, Slovenia was seventeenth in the league table, while Iceland did not participate, thus opening a theoretical window for the national seven, according to statements by the person responsible for FAAND.
Even so, the sports director emphasizes that the African Pearls are prohibited from underestimating their opponents, especially Slovenia and Iceland, as they are theoretically in their championship.
Angola’s best classification in this competition was in 2007, in France, occupying seventh place, leaving behind teams such as Brazil, Spain, Ukraine and other important teams.
That year, in group C, the national team won their class in the group stage, beating the Dominican Republic (41-20) and Austria (33-22), teams that today gained a new status in the competition.
Against Norway, the current world champion, Angola lost 32-26, in a game in which the Angolans came close to the scoreboard, but in the end the experience of the champions overcame them.