Luanda - The former captain of the Angola´s Football Team, Carlos Afonso well known as "Kali", told ANGOP Wednesday in the Province of Luanda that the pressure is on Nigeria's side in Friday's match with Angola in the quarter-finals of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON`2023), which is being played in Côte d`Ivoire.
Luanda - The former captain of the Angola´s Football Team, Carlos Afonso well known as "Kali", told ANGOP Wednesday in the Province of Luanda that the pressure is on Nigeria's side in Friday's match with Angola in the quarter-finals of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON`2023), which is being played in Côte d`Ivoire.
Speaking ahead of the match, which will take place from 6pm at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, the former international believes that Nigeria will be under a lot more pressure because they are title contenders, compared to Angola, who are seeking an unprecedented semi-final.
The former centre-back spoke about the quality of the Nigerians, with emphasis on the presence of Africa's current best player (striker Victor Osimhen), but who, despite the predictions, also have shortcomings.
He said that Angola´s opponents have a very dangerous midfield and attack, which will require greater attention from the national team, made up of a group of dedicated players.
The current businessman and sports commentator said that there are high levels of confidence in both the main players, as well as the substitutes, adding that technically the National Team players are on a par.
Kali, who played in four African Nations Championships, in 2006 (Egypt), 2008 (Ghana), 2010 (Angola) and 2016 (Gabon), told ANGOP that he identified the midfield as Angola's least productive sector, because it shows a lack of calm.
"Defensively we were already very strong before CAN2023, because we conceded a few goals, but we didn't score either. In attack we improved because the coach found a formula in the attacking trio," said the former player of 1.º de Agosto, where he finished his career in 2014.
Before that, Kali played in Portugal for CCD Montijo, Barreirense and Santa Clara, followed by internationals with Ac Arles Avignon in France and Sion in Switzerland.
In the initial phase of this 34th edition of the African Nations Championship, the National Team was in group D, where they drew with Algeria, beat Mauritania (3-2) and Burkina Faso (2-0), finishing top with seven points.
In the round of 16, the Sable Antelope, led by Portuguese coach Pedro Gonçalves, beat Namibia 3-0.
AFCON`2023 was due to take place last June/July, but due to the heavy rains during that period, Confederation of African Football (CAF) moved the event to this year. WR/MC/MRA/DOJ
