On the Eve of Angola’s World Cup Debut

A little more than 24 hours from now my heart will be pumping and my eyes glued to every second of the Angola - Portugal match. It seems like it has been years, not months, since that glorious day when Angola qualified for the World Cup. We’ve gone through a poor performance at the African Cup of Nations, questions over who would be selected for the team, exhibition matches and the final training camp. It has been a long road, but the moment of truth is near.

I never like to make predictions involving teams I love so I am not going to say whether I think Angola will win, lose or draw against Portugal. You are more the welcome to offer your predictions, though.

What I will say is that when the team comes out of the tunnel tomorrow and the national anthem is played, I will be filled with a pride and joy that is impossible to put into words. I am proud of the players who call themselves Palancas Negras. I am proud of our fans. I am proud of Angola.

Win, lose or draw this is going to be a great moment. My hope is that all of you enjoy it as much as I do.

Let’s go Angola!