Pedro Gonçalves, the highly regarded Portuguese manager, has been dismissed as head coach of Angola’s national football team, bringing an end to an eight-year tenure marked by both success and disappointment.
The Angolan Football Federation (FAF), under the leadership of President Alves Simões, confirmed the decision on Thursday, citing the team’s underwhelming recent performances. Gonçalves’ departure follows the Palancas Negras’ failure to progress beyond the group stage at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) and their premature elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after a 1-0 home defeat to Libya.
In a statement seen by Pan-Africa Football, the FAF expressed its gratitude to the outgoing coach:
“With an immeasurable feeling of gratitude and respect, the Angolan Football Federation informs that the cycle of Pedro Valdemar Soares Gonçalves as national coach has come to an end. The Board of the Angolan Football Federation decided, on its own initiative, to move forward with the measure that marks the end of a stage built with hard work, total dedication, and true commitment to the national flag.”
The statement went on to describe Gonçalves as “more than a coach” but “a partner and leader who believed in Angola’s potential and gave dignity to a team that dared to dream again.”
During his tenure, Gonçalves led Angola to several memorable achievements. He guided the team to victory at the 2025 COSAFA Cup in South Africa and secured qualification for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Beyond the silverware, he is credited with nurturing a new generation of Angolan talent and strengthening the bond between the team and its supporters.
Nevertheless, the federation concluded that change was necessary:
> “Football is made of stages and, with serenity, we recognise that the time has come to open a new chapter. A chapter that will honour the legacy left, with new dreams and new goals.”
Gonçalves leaves his post having restored belief in the Palancas Negras, though his reign ultimately ended in disappointment. The FAF is now expected to begin the search for his successor as Angola prepare for the next phase of their footballing journey.
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