Angola captain Akwa wants to strike up partnership

BIELEFELD, Germany, June 13: Angola's team captain Akwa has called for a second striker to help him improve their potency in attack after they fell 1-0 in their World Cup Group D opener to Portugal.

Coach Luis Oliveira Goncalves plumped for a lone striker for Sunday's match against Portugal, which Angola lost 1-0, abandoning the 4-4-2 formation which let them down badly during the African Nations Cup in January.

''I think the coach will use the same tactic but for me it is better with two strikers because I feel I have more support,'' Akwa told Reuters by telephone from the team's training camp in Celle yesterday.

The southwest Africans have five forwards and several attacking midfielders in their 23-man squad and Akwa was not fussy who could partner him in the Angolan charge.

''We have Mantorras, Flavio, Andre Titi Buengo, Love, Mateus.

I don't care who it is,'' he said.

Akwa had two overhead attempts on goal during the Portugal clash but missed the target and was substituted midway through the second half.

''When the team started to play better, the coach decided to change strikers. I didn't agree but I had to accept. I wasn't expecting to be substituted but coach Oliveira knows what he is doing,'' he said.

Distinctive with his braided hair and red boots, the captain has lamented the switch to more defensive play.

''At the moment, we seem to care more for defence than attack,'' he said.

''Of course you have to worry about the defence. Everybody says it is the best form of attack, but I believe on Sunday when we had control of the game, we should have pushed forward.'' Akwa, who has 76 caps and has scored 35 goals for his country, is keen to augment his reputation as Angola's top goal-scorer. Without a club since earlier this year, he is also looking for a new contract next season.

''I'm a striker and I want to score. As a striker you are more valued if you score,'' he said.

On the positive side, Akwa agreed that Angola were more confident about facing Mexico in their next Group D clash in Hanover on Friday but that they would also have to correct their defensive errors.

''We got a lot of experience from Sunday's game. We know that we cannot afford to give scoring chances to the other team,'' he said.

''All the goals against us have been because of our mistakes.

We believe we can do better but we know Mexico can score and we have to guard against these mistakes.'' Iran complete Group D.

REUTERS