Reuters reuters

Buoyant Angola looking two games ahead

Fri 01 Feb, 12:34 PM


TAMALE, Ghana (Reuters) - Coach Luis Oliveira Goncalves says Angola are already thinking about the semi-finals before their last-eight meeting with Egypt at the African Nations Cup.

"We intend to extend our run," he said after Thursday's 0-0 draw with Tunisia booked Angola into the quarter-finals for the first time.

"We have new challenges and we want to go as far as we can in this test. We are ready for the fourth game but we are also thinking about the fifth.

"We don't want to stop here, we want to get to the semi-finals."

Angola, who have burst onto the scene since Goncalves took over as coach in 2003, notably reaching the 2006 World Cup in Germany, will face Egypt on Monday in Kumasi.

The Black Antelopes, who went through from Group D at the expense of fancied Senegal, have progressed despite a squad without any big names.

Their players are based mainly with local clubs, lower-ranking teams in Europe and or the Middle East.

Striker Manucho, who has blossomed over the last year, has been their one outstanding player with three goals.

"We've got to the next stage for the first time in our history, we've played good football, we've won and I believe we've done it convincingly," said Goncalves.

(Editing by Trevor Huggins)