Africa-Press – Angola. The national senior women’s handball team, known as the “Pearls”, faces a similar team from Tunisia today, in a match valid for the quarter-finals of the 25th edition of the African Cup of Nations, taking place in Dakar, Senegal. It’s the killer. Whoever loses leaves the test stage sooner.
More than Angola’s favouritism, facing a “decadent” Tunisia, the fact that they were the ones who, in 2014, won (31-30) Angola, for the last time, will weigh. As a result, our team failed to win the title, placing third and Vivaldo Eduardo, then head coach, was sent home.
It’s time for Vivaldo Eduardo’s rematch. It is no longer the Portuguese, Paulo Pereira, who technically commands the Tunisians, but, it doesn’t matter who he is. Vivaldo has a fresh memory. It’s revenge!
The Pearls already had the opportunity to do so. The Tunisians won (36-17) in Lu-anda, in the 2016 edition. Angola again beat Tunisia, in the last edition, 2021, in Cameroon, by 27-23, in the semi-final game.
In direct challenges, in fact, it is Angola who won the most. Today cannot be different. Our ladies are motivated. They left the first phase of the competition undefeated, while Tunisia ended the group stage in a modest third place, with two defeats in four games.
Initially seen as favourites, Tunisia “spoiled the chips” by conceding defeats against Egypt and the Republic of Congo in preliminary group “C”. Against Angola, in principle, he has no chance.
The “Pearls”, who come from a calm campaign, are only pressured by their own anxiety that has robbed them of tranquility in the execution of the bids. It is the 18th presence of Angola in the title phase of the competition.
Angola started the competition with a victory, 29 – 17, over Algeria. In the second round, the victory, 38-15, was over the Cape Verde selection. At the end of the group stage, the Angolans were stronger than the Congolese DRC, by 35-22, with a favorable 17-14, at halftime.
Even today, the matches Cameroon – DRC, Egypt – Senegal and Congo – Algeria are scheduled, to complement the quarter-finals. Matches for the rankings from 9th to 12th place are also planned.
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