Africa-Press – Angola. The senior women’s national handball team will face again, today, at 18:00, to simulate Brazil, in Rio Maior, Portugal, in a challenge inserted in the micro-cycle of preparation, aiming at the African Cup of Nations (CAN), to be played in November in Senegal.
Under the technical guidance of Vivaldo Eduardo, the Pearls intend to present themselves at the highest level, with a fierce posture, as they are aware that they are measuring forces with the 2013 world champion.
The result of the first match, a 24-goal draw, could somehow raise the group’s confidence levels. However, African champions know in advance that they need to put in their best efforts if they want to repeat the feat or improve it.
In turn, the Brazilian team, under the orders of Cristiano Rocha, ranked sixth in the World Cup in Spain, is a strong opponent. Although with some news in the call-up of 21 players, the Brazilian team aims to win today.
It is the first time since the World Cup in Spain that the South American team has returned to focus. Yesterday, on a break day in the pre-competitive stage, the national “seven” took the opportunity to train and rehearse the best strategy to be applied in the meeting.
Regarding the first “duel”, the assistant coach of the selection, Nelson Catito considered it positive, but not because of the result. We are still a long way from drawing big conclusions from the game, because this is only the second cycle. As time passes, we will improve more and more, and so we can have an effective selection. Overall, we are satisfied with the efforts of all the athletes”, he explained.
In Wednesday’s game, after 30 minutes, the African champions were losing by 11-13, but in the second they were more concentrated and equalized the score at 24 goals.
According to Catito: “The girls fought equally and, when that happens, we are satisfied. The tactical presuppositions were fulfilled, in defense and in attack. We will prepare very carefully for the next match, with the same opponent”.
Tomorrow, the national team will play the third and final game against Sport Lisboa e Benfica, in the same venue. With the three challenges, Vivaldo Eduardo wants to observe the players and draw the necessary conclusions about the state of the set, taking into account the African Senegal, in which the objective is to revalidate the title and, consequently, lift the 15th trophy.
Teresa Almeida, Marta Alberto, Janeth dos Santos, Juliana Machado, Natália Fonseca, Albertina Kassoma, Ruth João, Chelsia Gabriel, Dolores do Rosário, Helena Paulo, Isabel Guialo, Magda Cazanga, Marília Quizelete, Tcheza Pemba, Vilma Neganga, and Wuta Dombaxi are the players available to the technical team.
Vivaldo Eduardo (head coach), Nelson Catito (assistant) Mauro Cassoma (sectionist) and Graça Monteiro (physiotherapist) are also part of the Angolan delegation, whose return is scheduled for Sunday, 24th of this month.
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