The 27th African Cup of Nations is set to get under way amid extravagant disorder marring the opening game between Angola and Mali on Sunday. The Dark Continent was rocked by the vicious attack, killing three, on the Togo team bus by Angolan rebels on Friday. Making his competitive debut as Angola coach, Manuel Jose reflected on the unrest overshadowing his side's Group A clash in Luanda. "It's unbelievable because what the government and what the country wants to do is to show the world that we are a young country who is putting 35 years of civil war behind us," the former Ahli boss said. "Now we want to put our heads outside and what has happened is very bad. We must play on for the respect of the Togo team." "When it happened me and my players were very worried and very sad for Togo, we feel what they feel. We totally condemn what happened but we must play.
Jose "Sport is made not with bullets, but with footballs." Team News Jose and Co. are sweating to have influential striker Flavio Amado fit to face the Malians as the Shabab hitman was recently injured in a warm-up game with Gambia. The same goes for 20-year-old midfielder Stelvio, who is also doubtful for the match at the brand new 11 de Novembro Stadium. On the other hand, Mali ace Seydou Keita is facing a fitness battle as he struggles with a thigh problem that forced him to miss the Eagles' pre-tournament campaign.
