16 February 2011
Angola coach Lito says it was his side’s mental strength that saw them to victory over Rwanda on Tuesday, a result which cemented their place in the quarterfinals of the 2011 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Sudan.
Angola beat the Rwanda 2-1, having come from behind, which coupled with Tunisia’s 2-0 victory over Senegal, allowed the Palancas Negras to leapfrog the Senegalese into second in Group D.
My team has a positive winning mentality and it has been crucial to our chances. Rwanda was very strong but the mentality to win was always there, Lito said, before adding that he expects his team to get better as the tournament progresses.
We have really worked hard to get here. We have not played very well but the most important thing is we are through. The knockout stage will be tougher, and we have three days to prepare for our next game.
That next game will come against Cameroon, who topped Group C with three wins from three, but skipper Alfonso Manuel Carlos says his side can deliver.
The three matches at the group phase were difficult, and we are happy to qualify. The next stage is a knockout stage and we are aware we have to do much to go far, he said.
Meanwhile, Zambian FA president Kalusha Bwalya has spoken of the importance of CHAN as a tournament in an interview on Cafonline.
It is a wonderful tool for football development and for local players to get a chance to play for their country and showcase their talents, Bwalya says.
In my playing time you didnt get such a platform and now we also see the local talent not just those playing outside the continent. Its a great concept and there is some good football on show.
Bwalya also praised Sudan as hosts, saying the tournament can unite the people of the country.
I think it is good for Sudan to be hosting this tournament on sporting and other reasons too. Yes there is news about political events happening in Sudan and football is a calming factor and brings people together. So it is right that Sudan gets this opportunity to unite people and they are doing a great job and l am happy they accepted the hosting of the tournament.
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