The Angolan Football Federation (FAF) is closing in on the appointment of French tactician Patrice Beaumelle as the new head coach of the Palancas Negras, according to French outlet L’Équipe. The 47-year-old is expected to sign a two-year contract and succeed Portuguese coach Pedro Gonçalves, who was dismissed just three months before the start of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Gonçalves came under pressure after Angola’s 1-0 defeat to Libya in September, a result that ultimately ended their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Though he secured a 3-1 victory over Mauritius days later, the federation decided a change was necessary.
Reflecting on his five-year tenure, Gonçalves delivered an emotional farewell on September 18, highlighting his achievements which included two COSAFA Cup titles, a historic AFCON qualification, and a rise in the FIFA world rankings.
“Mission almost complete. An admirable stage of my life has come to an end… I take with me unforgettable moments: the record number of matches and victories, winning the two COSAFAS, rising in the FIFA rankings, and the historic CAN,” Gonçalves said. “My life story will forever be linked to Angola. Forever Sable Antelope. Angola forward.”
Beaumelle, who previously served as assistant to Hervé Renard with Zambia and Ivory Coast, brings vast African experience. He was part of the staff that guided Ivory Coast to the Round of 16 at AFCON 2021 and later won the Algerian league with MC Alger in 2024. Most recently, he managed Umm Salal in Qatar before departing last June.
If confirmed, Beaumelle will be tasked with steering Angola into a new era, with the immediate challenge of preparing the team for AFCON 2025 in Morocco.
