ANGOLA FACE HOME PRESSURES
Coach: Manuel Jose (Portugal)
FIFA Ranking (Dec 09): 95
CAF Ranking: 20
There will be undoubted pressure on host nation Angola as they enter the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations, especially as recent form has been patchy under new coach Manuel Jose. Angola’s qualification for the World Cup finals in 2006 proved one of the biggest shocks in recent African football history, but they have failed to build on that in recent times.
The achievement of 2006 came against the backdrop of a 30-year-old nation, mired in a brutal civil war until just a few years ago and still struggling with meagre infrastructure.
But the country’s football federation have long had a policy of seeking out talent with Angolan connections in the Diaspora in Europe, notably in former colonial power Portugal.
Several key players have emerged from outside of Angolan club structures to bolster the side, although ironically most from the obscurity of minor clubs.
They achieved their best-ever result in the 2008 Nations Cup in Ghana, where they reached the quarterfinals before losing out to eventual winners Egypt. This will be their third tournament finals in a row and their best chance at success.
GROUP A FIXTURES:
10/1 vs Mali Luanda
14/1 vs Malawi Luanda
18/1 vs Algeria Luanda
NATIONS CUP RECORD
Best result: Quarterfinals (2008)
Finals tournament matches:
| P | W | D | l | F | A |
| 13 | 2 | 6 | 5 | 18 | 23 |
ANGOLA SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Lamá, Wilson and Carlos
Defenders: Mabiná, Jamuana, Enoque, Dias Caires, Rui Marques, Stélvio and Kali
Midfielders: Gilberto, Zuela, Dedé, Zé Kalanga, Djalma, Chara, David and Job
Strikers: Flávio, Johnson Makaba, Mantorras, Love and Manucho