Beaumelle returns to Angola with a mission to reignite the Palancas Negras
French international Patrice Beaumelle was recently unveiled as the new head coach of Angola, taking charge of the “Palancas Negras” ahead of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.
Beaumelle returns to Luanda after having been part of Hervé Renard’s technical team in 2010 which has since been followed by head coaching roles on the continent including leading Cote d’Ivoire to the a knockout stages of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2021 in Cameroon.
The now 47-year-old tactician also spent some time with Algerian outfit, MC Alger where he competed in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League last season.
With a two-year contract, Beaumelle succeeds Portuguese coach Pedro Gonçalves and faces the major challenge of preparing the team for the Morocco finals where they will have to navigate past a tough Group B headlined by African powerhouse Egypt, 2023 bronze medallists South Africa as well as Zimbabwe.
“The goal is always to give our best with heart. We will compete in a tough group, facing strong opponents like Egypt, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Only two will qualify, but we believe it is possible”, said the coach.
Without promising immediate titles, the French coach emphasised that the focus must be on building a solid and consistent team.
“We have to be humble, work seriously, and let the results speak for themselves. Discipline, organization, and trust in Angolan players will be the keys to our success.”
Asked about his decision to accept the Angolan project, Beaumelle revealed that he had other but that Angola was always his priority.
“I saw this project as an opportunity for continuity and growth. I have already spoken to all the players and will travel to observe both those playing abroad and those in Angola. It is essential to closely monitor all available talent.”
He also introduced the technical staff that will accompany him: permanently based in Angola will be assistant coach Saad Ishalalen and fitness coach Olivier Martinez, along with the head coach himself.
With the biggest African football spectacle just months away, Beaumelle aims to restore competitiveness to a team that dreams of returning to Africa’s football elite.