Angola coach Luis Oliveira Goncalves was lost for words when trying to describe the starring role Manucho Goncalves has played for his side.Manucho has been pivotal in his side's historic run to the quarter-finals of the African Nations Cup in Ghana.
The Manchester United-bound striker was on the scoresheet again on Monday night, despite his side losing 2-1 to Egypt in Kumasi, which ended their challenge for the title.
It was the 24-year-old's fourth strike of the competition, following goals in the group stage which helped the southern Africans reach the last eight for the first time in their history.
Manucho imposed himself against the Egyptians with one of the goals of the tournament, outmuscling a defender 30 yards out before whipping in a thundering drive.
The goal also pleased his coach, who believes Manucho will only get better.
He said: "Yes Manucho - what he has done towards this tournament, I don't even need to comment on that.
"He has some great qualities as a player as you all could see. He is a young man who has never played before at any other level, let alone being at any other cup or with the national team.
"This is his first time here and as you all witnessed he was able to score one goal in every game that he played. He had a lot of help from the other players, especially Flavio (Amado), who played alongside him.
"And knowing that he has just signed with Manchester United, he will develop in the coming months or years and will be a better player and we hope he can fulfil all his potential."
Manucho will now move to Europe after agreeing terms with United, subject to a work permit, but the British club has already finalised a loan move to Greek side Panathinaikos.
Goncalves was also pleased with the effort shown from the rest of his squad and is now keen on building towards the next finals, which will be hosted by his country in two years time.
He added: "I am happy with my players, because it is the first time in Angolan football history that we have reached the quarter-finals.
"Our work from now on will be to build a better team towards the cup in 2010 in Angola. Several of the players are based in Europe and the idea is bring them all together and build them towards that competition.
"I believe we will be a much stronger team in the future because we have several young players who are yet to reach their peak. Also, we have some good older players with plenty of experience and we will continue to build around them."
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