Can Angola emulate South Africa?

| Friday January 22, 2010 00:00

The last time AFCON was played in the southern region was 14 years ago when South Africa were the hosts. East Africa was the initial venue for the 1994 event but hosts Kenya failed to convince CAF that it had what it takes to stage the tournament. The competition was moved to South Africa and Bafana Bafana put up an impressive performance to give southern Africa its only win in the prestigious event. Mark Williams was the hero in the final, coming off the bench to score twice for South Africa to overcome Tunisia's Carthage Eagles 2-0. But can Angola emulate South Africa? The Palancas Negras started the tournament like a house on fire leading 4-0 in the first match before letting Mali to come back into the game and force a 4-4 stalemate. But in the second game, Angola stamped its authority and brushed aside a confident Malawi 2-0 before their dull goalless draw against Algeria in the last group match.

After qualifying as Group A leaders, the hosts face a stern test in the quarters against Ghana's Black Stars in Luanda on Sunday evening.

The once-dreaded Ghana might not have been impressive in their Group B matches against Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso, but they are capable of spoiling the party at the November 11 Stadium for Angola. If the Palancas Negras bow out, some people say it might have a negative impact on the rest of the tournament in terms of attendance. In its quest for glory, home support will be crucial for Angola. In 1996 when Bafana Bafana captain, Neil Tovey climbed the podium to lift the trophy, most people attributed their success to the home supporters who filled the Soccer City Stadium (then known as the FNB Stadium) on the day.

In an exclusive interview with Mmegi Sport from Johannesburg, legendary marksman Abedi Pele Ayew of Ghana said that though Angola will be pushed to the limits by the Black Stars, the Palancas Negras are capable of going all the way. He said that overcoming Ghana will boost the morale of the Angolan squad and that can be what they need to reach the final. 'I think Angola have what it takes to win the AFCON and you should not forget that of the teams remaining in the tournament, they have scored the most goals. They have showed that they can beat the continent's big boys,' he said.

Pele pointed out that the presence of coach, Manuel Jose on the bench might work for Angola as he has vast experience in African football. The Portuguese has guided Egyptian powerhouse, Al Ahly to several titles including the Africa Champions League. Though he does not have experience of coaching at the national level, Pele believes this will serve as a motivation for Jose to win the African Cup of Nations. 'He has proven his mettle in the continent at club level and now he has to prove his class at national level,' he said.

Former Zimbabwean international, Madinda Ndlovu believes that the only thing, which can work to Angola's advantage at AFCON, might be home support. Apart from this, he said that the hosts do not have the carrying capacity to go all the way. 'If Flavio is not there, they have a problem and if they manage to scrap through to the final, I don't think they can win it,' he said.

Malawi and Mozambique have packed their bags and returned home to show once again that southern Africa still has a lot do to make its mark at the AFCON finals. It is up to the Palancas Negras to make the region proud but it is no doubt that they will have to double their efforts to compete against the likes of Ivory Coast, Egypt, Ghana and Nigeria who have proven their class in continental football over the years.

Mali's goalkeeper Mahamadou Sidibe makes a save during their African Cup of Nations Group A soccer match against Malawi, in Cabinda, Angola, Monday, Jan. 18, 2010.