Angola ready for another Nations Cup leap with Tunisia clash

0 Comments | AFP, January, 2008

TAMALE, Ghana (AFP) — The continuous rise of Angola into an African force could reach a new level Thursday in a top-of-the-table Nations Cup Group D showdown with leaders Tunisia.

A draw will ensure the Palancas Negras (Black Antelopes) of a place in the knockout phase of the biennial tournament for the first time and confirm that qualification for the 2006 World Cup ahead of fancied Nigeria was no fluke.

Only South Africa, hosts of the next World Cup in 2010, can deprive Angola of a quarter-finals slot and to squeeze through on goal difference they would need to defeat Senegal convincingly in Kumasi and hope Angola lose heavily.

But if the 'Antelopes' continue where they left off when shocking Senegal 3-1 last Sunday, the odds on long-serving coach Luis...