Qualifying campaign: Angola, who were given a bye into the second and final round of the qualifiers, squeezed into CAN on the away goal rule following a 3-3 aggregate draw with Zimbabwe. They lost the first leg 3-1 in Zimbabwe before claiming a 2-0 win in the return leg at home to reach the tournament. History: Angola appeared six times at CAN. The farthest stage they reached was the quarter finals in in 2008 and 2010. They also played at the World Cup in 2010 but failed to get beyond the group stage. Expectations:Angola have become more consistent and tricker to deal with although they are still inclined to periods of defensive frailty and the odd moment of complete folly. They will have a side dominated by home-based players who have been without league football since the Angola GiraBola season ended in November, bringing into question their fitness for the tournament. FIFA ranking: 84 (21 in Africa) Achievements: CAN quarter-finalists in 2008 and 2010 Made 1 World Cup appearance in 2006 Coach: Gustavo Ferrin (Angola) Gustavo Ferrin made his name in youth soccer, starting at Defensor Sporting in his native Uruguay and then taking his country's under-17 and under-20 teams to world championships. His only previous senior job was at Montevideo-based Defensor Sporting, where he was responsible for a turnaround in fortunes in 2004. He took over as Angola coach in June from Lito Vidigal, who was fired after the team failed to reach the quarter-finals of the last Nations Cup in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. Key players: Djalma Campos (Kasimpasa). Age: 25. Pos: Forward After scoring only one goal for Portuguese champions FC Porto he was sent on loan to Turkey where he is again struggling to find the back of the net. He has been more effective with the national team where he plays as a foil to Manucho. His father Abel Campos played at Benfica and also for Angola. Manucho (Real Valladolid). Age: 29 Pos: Forward Two quick goals in the vital qualifying tie against Zimbabwe in October allowed Angola to squeak into the finals and confirmed Manucho's status as their lead striker. His three goals made him joint top scorer at the 2012 finals in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. At Real Valladolid last month he scored twice against Real Madrid. Zuela (Apoel Nicosia). Age: 29 Pos: Defender Zuela was born in Luanda and brought up in Portugal but most of his career has been spent at clubs in Greece, Russia and now Cyprus. Three years ago he went to Wigan Athletic on trial but did not prove successful. Can play at full back, centre defence or as a defensive midfielder. Full squad: Goalkeepers: 1- Luis Mamona Joao (Petro A. Luanda – Angola), 22- Neblu (Primeiro Agosto), 12- Landu Mavanga (Recreativo Libolo) Defenders: 14- Amaro, 13- Bastos (Primeiro Agosto), 4- Dani Massunguna (Primeiro Agosto), 5- Fabricio (InterClube), 3- Lunguinha (Kabuscorp), 2- Marco Airosa (AEL Limassol), Mingo Bille, 16- Pirolito (both InterClube), 10- Zuela (Apoel Nicosia) Midfielders: 6- Dede, 11- Gilberto (both AEL Limassol), 8- Manucho Dinis (Primeiro Agosto), 21- Manuel (AS Aviacao), 15- Miguel (Petro Atletico) Forwards: 7- Djalma (Kasimpassa), 18- Geraldo (Parana), 23- Guilherme Afonso (FC Vaduz), 9- Mauncho (Real Valladolid), 17- Mateus (Nacional), 19- Yano (Progresso Sambizanga), 20- Mingo Bile (Primeiro Agosto) (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at@AO Sports and on Facebook atAhramOnlineSports) http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/62054.aspx
