Angola have already lost their two away matches against Uganda (3-0), and Kenya recently in March when they went down 2-0. The 2010 African Cup of Nations hosts are tottering at the brink of missing next year's extravaganza, and unless they snatch a win against Harambee Stars, they are unlikely to resuscitate their chances.
It is with this in mind that the team held a week-long training camp with foreign based professionals in Portugal, which according to coach Lito Vidigal, was meant to empower players to be fit and ready ahead of the match against Kenya.
The players who had a training stint in Portugal a week ago included Manucho Gonçalves, Djalma, Flavio Gilberto, Dede, Carlos, Andre Makanga Vunguidica, Marco Airosa, Matthew, Titi Buenger, and Kivuvu Tiquinho.
Angola know that another loss or even a draw will end their dreams and a convincing win is the only result that can give them a fighting chance in Group J, where Uganda top the standings with seven points. Kenya are second with four points while, Angola and Guinea Bissau are placed third and fourth with three points each.
Without a doubt, Kenya will be in for a torrid evening of high octane action as the hosts work their socks off to give their home fans something to smile about.
Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno’s first real test
Coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno started his Harambee Stars stint with victory when he led his charges to a 2-1 win against the Palancas Negras in Nairobi. That victory may have come largely due to the fact that Otieno had a full squad and was playing at home where the crowds at Nyayo played their part.
But on Sunday, the youthful coach who also doubles as Premier League side Gor Mahia's tactician will be leading his players against a hostile and charged crowd in Luanda and to add insult to injury, he will be missing key players like keeper Anorld Origi (injury) and midfielder MacDonald Mariga (suspension) among others.
The team’s preparations for the crucial match started on the wrong note when they failed to play a friendly match against Libya last week and another one against Namibia on Monday, where the team has anticipated to camp for a week before heading to Angola.
The two friendlies were canceled in the last minute under unclear circumstances. Further woes for Otieno were to come when he landed with his players in Luanda on Tuesday, but the hosts were not hospitable enough to give the Stars a training ground. By Wednesday evening, the team had not held a single training session and they were not even made aware of the match location.
But Otieno still has an experienced squad that will give a good account of themselves in Angola, although the absence of Origi and Mariga will be dearly missed. They travelled to Luanda with six foreign based professionals. They include captain Dennis Oliech (Auxerre), striker Allan Wanga (Vietnam), Jerry Santos (Tanzania’s Simba) and George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo of Randers in Denmark. Patrick Oboya, who is based in the Czech Republic and Victor Mugabe, who plies his trade in Belgium are the two other professionals who will be fielded against Angola.
Harambee Stars in action
TEAM NEWS
Angola
Coach Lito Vidigal has recalled defender Marco Airosa and the midfielder Tiquinho to reinforce his squad ahead of the crucial clash against Kenya. Marco Airosa, who plays for Portugal's Desportivo das Aves, has been away from national duty since the 2008 CAN, whereas Tiquinho, who plays for Spain's Alzira, has been picked again after making his debut 18-months ago. But Job and João Martins, two regular players in the squad, will miss the match due to injuries.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Carlos, Lamá, Wilson
Defenders: Zuela, Marco Airosa, Mingo Bille, Kaly, Miguel, Fabrício, Dany Massunguna and Amaro.
Midfielders: Djalma, Dedé, Gilberto, Makanga, Osório, Tiquinho, Geraldo and Chara.
Strikers: Mateus, Flávio, Vunguidica, Manucho and Love.
Kenya
In the absence of MacDonald Mariga, Swedish based Patrick Osiako was recalled to the provisional squad, but the midfielder did not report to camp and his place was taken by Simba midfielder Jerry Santo, who has had a consistent spell with the Tanzanian side. Ulinzi striker Mike Barasa was also added to the team after an impressive performance in the local league and Vietnam based Allan Wanga also returned to the squad. Wanga has featured for Petro Atletico in the Angolan Girabola.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Boniface Oluoch, Jeremiah Onyango
Defenders: James Situma, Osborne Monday, Edgar Ochieng, John Njoroge, Anthony Kimani, Pascal Ochieng, Joseph Shikokoti, Collins Kisuya.
Midfielders: Jerry Santo, Victor Mugubi, Jamal Mohammed, Titus Mulama, Kevin Ochieng, Patrick Oboya.
Strikers: Dennis Oliech, Mike Barasa, Allan Wanga, George Odhiambo.
PREDICTION
The fact that Angola will be playing at home will give them a great boost in this must win encounter. The Harambee Stars backline has been their weakest link in the past year, and considering the absence of experienced keeper Origi and defensive midfielder Mariga, Angola will most likely have a stress free evening.
Angola 2-1 Kenya
