Nigeria 1–0 Angola: Coach Goncalves Discloses Why His Team Lost to Super Eagles in the Quarter Final

• Pedro Goncalves has explained the reason behind Angola's loss to Nigeria in the AFCON 2023 quarter-final
• The Palancas Negras couldn't replicate their Round of 16 form against the Super Eagles in the last eight
• The Black Antelopes manager also congratulated Nigeria for qualifying for the semi-final stage

Angola has been knocked out of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after losing 1-0 to the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the quarter-final stage at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium on Friday evening.

The Palancas Negras qualified for the last eight after defeating Namibia's Brave Warriors in the Round of 16 but couldn't get past the Super Eagles.

Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman's first-half goal was enough for the three-time African champions to book a place in the semi-final of the 34th edition of the biggest football event on the continent.

Maignan 'serene and strong' despite abuse, says AC Milan coach

Football

After the game, Angola manager Pedro Goncalves explained why his team lost to Nigeria despite having a good moment in some parts of the match.

"I would like to congratulate the Nigerian team. They have a very strong squad," he said.

"It was a demanding game. Trying to mourn about this defeat is not a good attitude to have. Our strikers didn't perform. Nigeria were more efficient."

Nigeria's defence efficiency was acknowledged by the Angola national team coach, with the Super Eagles keeping four cleansheets out of five games played.

Angola, on the other hand, have the best goalscoring record in the competition but couldn't get a goal against Peseiro's men.

Lookman sends Super Eagles into AFCON semi-final

Sports Brief earlier reported on Lookman sending Nigeria into the semifinals of the AFCON 2023 after their 1-0 win over Angola in the quarter-finals on Friday.

AFCON 2023: Jay Jay Okocha Discloses What's Needed For Nigeria To Perform Well Against Cameroon, Video

Football

Both started the game brightly, but the Palancas Negras got the first shot on target in the fourth minute with Mabululu's effort saved by Stanley Nwabili.

Lookman's only goal a few minutes before the half-time whistle gave Jose Peseiro's side the deserved win over the Black Antelopes.