The Citizen (Dar es Salaam)
23 March 2011
Nairobi — With only two days to that do-or-die tie against the Palancas Negras on Saturday at Nyayo National Stadium, Angolan star striker Manucho Goncalves was very confident about escaping with a win in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Manucho said the match would be “very difficult” but that the visitors would do everything to get the three points in Nairobi.
“We are at a very tight position at the moment. But if we want to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations finals then we must top the table,” said the former Manchester United forward.
Forget his lumbering performance during the Nations Cup in Angola last year or during his spell with the Red Devils and Hull City in the English Premiership two seasons ago.
In Manucho, Harambee Stars will face a lethal striker whose achievements with the national team exceed anything to do with his recent form.
Speaking to portalangop.co.ao yesterday, Manucho said his team will continue to work hard in order to win the top honours in Group J. Uganda are currently leading in the group while Kenya lie at the bottom of the table.
At the same time, Angola’s experienced midfielder Andre Makamba has returned to the national team after missing in action from the squad over the past one year.
Angola and Kenya are no strangers to each other, having meet in the Nations Cup in 2007 when Harambee Stars won 2-1 as Patrick Oboya and Dennis Oliech scored.
Many people might argue that the visitors were relaxed since they had already qualified for the 2008 Ghana finals.
Stars will however need to recall that ‘2007 spirit’ – or perhaps try and emulate their neighbours Uganda, who shocked the 2006 World Cup team.
Uganda Cranes’ David Obua, of Scottish club Hearts, opened the scoring at Mandela Stadium before Andrew Mwesigwa and Geoffrey Sserunkuma struck after half-time to seal the win for the home side.
Though it is too early to say that the chances for Harambee Stars are doomed, the class of opposition ahead does not give them any realistic hopes.
AllAfrica – All the Time
View post:
Tanzania: Manucho Vows to Snatch Win