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."
Showing posts with label ANGOLA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ANGOLA. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Sports Marathon to flag up National Sports Day in Luanda
A sports marathon will take place next Sunday, in Cidadela complex, in Luanda, in commemoration of the National Sports Day, being marked this Wednesday.
The event will have the participation of over 1500 young athletes from Luanda Province.
Speaking to the press, the national director for sports, Raimundo Cardoso, explained that the athletes will compete and show their skills in the disciples of handball, athletics, basketball, capoeira, cycling, five-a-side football, roller-skate hockey, judo, fights, netball, skating, tennis, taekwon-do and chess.The event will start early in the morning, by 07:00 O'Clock, with a long distance foot-race.
Besides the marathon, the organising committee will also hold a lecture with the theme "The social responsibility of sports and the objectives of the millennium", which will take place on January 29, in Luanda. The lecturer will be the minister of Youths and Sports, Marcos Barrica.
Other activities, like seminars and sports tournaments, are also part of the commemorative programme.
The event will have the participation of over 1500 young athletes from Luanda Province.
Speaking to the press, the national director for sports, Raimundo Cardoso, explained that the athletes will compete and show their skills in the disciples of handball, athletics, basketball, capoeira, cycling, five-a-side football, roller-skate hockey, judo, fights, netball, skating, tennis, taekwon-do and chess.The event will start early in the morning, by 07:00 O'Clock, with a long distance foot-race.
Besides the marathon, the organising committee will also hold a lecture with the theme "The social responsibility of sports and the objectives of the millennium", which will take place on January 29, in Luanda. The lecturer will be the minister of Youths and Sports, Marcos Barrica.
Other activities, like seminars and sports tournaments, are also part of the commemorative programme.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
AFCON 2010Hayatou impressed with Angola level of preparation
CAF President Issa Hayatou has completed a four-day tour of Angola by expressing satisfaction with the preparations for the 27th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations.
The visit was to acquaint himself with the state of preparation for the tournament, with barely ten days for the 26th MTN Africa Cup of Nations, Ghana 2008 to kick off.
Mr Hayatou inspected facilities and infrastructure meant for the next edition of the biennial championships including Telecommunication, Accommodation, Medical and Stadia at three of the four venues; Benguela, Cabinda and Luanda.
He expressed content with administrative and technical preparations coupled with the assurance from Angolan Prime Minister, Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos that all facilities will be ready on schedule to enhance a successful organization.
The CAF President, also chairman of the African Cup of Nations Organising Committee visited sites for the construction of four new stadia, expected to begin in April and completed in October 2009.
Mr Hayatou also met with President, Eduard dos Santos and Minister of Youth and Sports, Marcos Barrica to discuss the need for the involvement of the Angolan government towards the organization of a better event.
Meanwhile, the Local Organising Committee of Angola 2010 ACN will be officially inaugurated later this month.
This will be the first time Angola will be hosting Africa ’s biggest football event.
The visit was to acquaint himself with the state of preparation for the tournament, with barely ten days for the 26th MTN Africa Cup of Nations, Ghana 2008 to kick off.
Mr Hayatou inspected facilities and infrastructure meant for the next edition of the biennial championships including Telecommunication, Accommodation, Medical and Stadia at three of the four venues; Benguela, Cabinda and Luanda.
He expressed content with administrative and technical preparations coupled with the assurance from Angolan Prime Minister, Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos that all facilities will be ready on schedule to enhance a successful organization.
The CAF President, also chairman of the African Cup of Nations Organising Committee visited sites for the construction of four new stadia, expected to begin in April and completed in October 2009.
Mr Hayatou also met with President, Eduard dos Santos and Minister of Youth and Sports, Marcos Barrica to discuss the need for the involvement of the Angolan government towards the organization of a better event.
Meanwhile, the Local Organising Committee of Angola 2010 ACN will be officially inaugurated later this month.
This will be the first time Angola will be hosting Africa ’s biggest football event.
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