One of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations' confirmed quarter-finalists' players have now reportedly been rewarded with iPhone 15s and big cash bonuses following their impressive displays at the tournament.
The 34th edition of the continent's flagship tournament has certainly lived up to the hype, with a number of shock upsets having occurred and history being made, serving up a great spectacle for those watching.
One of the surprise success stories of this year's showpiece so far has been Angola, who have now matched their best showing at an AFCON by reaching the quarter-finals – a feat they previously achieved in 2008 and 2010.
The coastal nation has caught the attention of many with their offensive brand of football, scoring a prolific nine goals in four matches and only conceding three times.
One of their standout stars has been Qatar-based striker Gelson Dala, who has registered four goals and one assist to date in the Ivory Coast.
As such, the team has now seemingly been acknowledged for their success at AFCON so far, having received some stunning gifts ahead of their crunch quarter-final clash against Nigeria on Friday evening.
According to Angola Press Agency, a bank in Angola called Banco Angolano de Investimento has announced that it would reward each national team player and coaching staff with the sum of five million Kwanzas (about R113 000).
Angolan mobile company UNITEL is also said to have rewarded each member of the team with an iPhone 15, as well as free calls, SMSes, and internet for a year.
Palancas Negra head coach Pedro Goncalves recently admitted he was aware of the danger posed by Nigeria's Victor Osimhen ahead of their big match, hailing the Napoli striker as one of the best footballers on the planet.
“I myself, in the FIFA votes, also voted for him as one of the best players in the world, so we will play against a selection equipped with players with a lot of talent, who have tremendous, mind-blowing playing capacity, a lot of speed, especially derived from of the two forwards, Osimhen and [Ademola] Lookman, who, in fact, add great vertigo to the game," he said, as per Portuguese outlet O Jogo.
"On the other hand, he has played against three very robust central defenders who are extremely adapted."
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
WATCH:
