Ex-Cape Town keeper can’t wait for CHAN debut

Former Cape Town City’s Angolan goalkeeper Hugo Marques says he cannot wait to make his debut at the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Algeria.

Hugo Marques will have his first feel of CHAN action when Angola’s Palancas Negras take on Mali in Oran City on Monday.

He spoke to FARPost ahead of the Group D contest between the two teams at Miloud Hadefi Stadium in Oran.

“I hope we can win the first game and then fight for good things,” Hugo Marques said.

“But the first goal is to beat Mali.”

HOW HUGO MARQUES FEELS DEBUTING AT CHAN

The Petro de Luanda keeper said it feels good to make his debut at the continental competition even though he is in advanced football age of 37.

“Yes, it is my first at the age of 37. We want to make history for Angola like was the case in 2011 when they reached the final. But first things first, Mali first,” Hugo Marques added.

The towering keeper is Angola’s number one for the senior national football team.

He made a name while at Cape Town City where he was named the best goalkeeper last season.

Marques returned home early this DStv Premiership season to join Petro de Luanda due to family issues.

Now he is set to lead the Angolans in their quest for glory.

Angola’s next match would be against Mauritania on Friday 20 January.

The Palancas Negras will wind up their group’s assignments by taking on fancied Senegal on January 22 2023.

MESSAGE FROM ANGOLA FA OFFICIAL AHEAD OF CHAN GAME

Meanwhile, the president of the Provincial Football Association (APF) of the southern Cunene province, Germano Fernandes, says he is confident the Palancas Negras will excel at CHAN.

“The training conducted in Portugal will demonstrate that we have a cohesive team and if we keep up with this pace, we can move on to the next stage,” he is quoted saying by Angola News Agency.

CHAN is exclusive to players based in domestic leagues in Africa and will run from January 13 to February 4 in Algeria.

The competition has attracted 17 teams with the notable absentee being Morocco.

The defending champions, Morocco, decided to withdraw from the competition after differences with Algeria on political matters.

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