Angola coach Patrice Beaumelle says he is happy with the competition his side got from the Chipolopolo Boys in Tuesday’s international friendly match.
The former Chipolopolo assistant coach says he was always expecting a tough match against Zambia as it’s a team that always has talent.
Zambia had some issues ahead of the match with some players like Patson Daka and Kennedy Musonda returning to their clubs while Miguel Chaiwa and Lubambo Musonda were ruled out due to sickness and Beaumelle felt it was not easy for them to travel under such circumstances.
“Good evening, Zambia. I knew that it was a tough game because I know Zambia, they were African champions 2012 and always it’s a tough game because Zambia is pure talent, there’s a lot of players. And I know that… You had some issues after the game against Bafana Bafana. So you had some problems and some players didn’t manage to travel. Like Patson Daka had to go back to his club. Some players, like Lubambo Musonda, the captain, were sick. And I think the ‘King’ Kalusha Bwalya (technical committee Vice Chairman) as well. But I knew that it was a tough game. And congratulations because it was not easy to travel in such conditions. But you gave us a very good game. So congratulations for this game. It was a clear game like the Africa Cup of Nations. So I wish you all the best for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco,” he said.
Beaumelle, Chipolopolo physical trainer Joseph Musonda and goalkeeper coach Kennedy Mweene worked together in 2012 as Zambia clinched its first and only Africa Cup title.
Beaumelle says he is happy to see the duo take up coaching and has wished them the best of luck in their new career path.
“Joseph Musonda and Kennedy Mweene We spent so many years together, goalkeeper and defender. African champion with me, 2012. So to meet them, to see them tonight on the bench, I’m very proud. Because we spoke after the game, just a few words. And he said, coach, you inspire me in terms of, you know, footballer and now as a coach, we are always in touch. And I love them. And I wish them the best, the very best in their career that they start now as a coach. And I pass my regards to mother Zambia,” Beaumelle said.
