The Palancas Negras of Angola opened their 2023 AFCON qualifiers with a 2-1 come-back victory over Les Fauves of Central African Republic at the Novembro Stadium, in Talatona, Angola.
The visitors who has never been to the Africa Cup of Nations were looking to secure a first win after taking the lead on the 32nd minute by Samuel Nled but the host rallied for a comeback victory in the second half.
Angola came close to equalize but their finishing was not precise and they sent the ball over the crossbar after having the goalkeeper beaten during the 54th minute.
With the pressure mounted on Central African Republic, M’bala Nzola stepped forward with the equalizer on the 73rd minute before Gelson Dala scored the winning goal three minutes later.
Before today’s game Angola and the Central African Republic had only met twice, resulting in a tipped scales with one win per side. In goals scored is the Angolan team that has the advantage with 5 goals over 3 for the African Republic. Their last meeting dates back to the 2016 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, where the Central African Republic finished with a 3-1 victory.
