Angola keep mum on attacking plans

BIELEFELD, Germany, June 19 (Reuters) Angola were tight-lipped today over whether they would field two forwards in the World Cup Group D clash with Iran.

Assistant coach Alvaro de Almeida Mabi would not say if they would switch back to the 4-4-2 system they used during the African Nations Cup in January or stick with Akwa as their sole striker.

''Angola have to score goals so it is natural we have to play with a more offensive formation,'' Mabi told Reuters, without being specific about the plans.

The Black Antelopes, who have yet to score in these finals, earned their first point with a goalless draw against Mexico on Friday.

If Angola overcome Iran in Leipzig on Wednesday and Portugal beat Mexico handsomely the same day, the Africans would reach the last 16.

''The game against Iran will be very difficult,'' Mabi said.

''Angola will play very strong opponents who won't want to leave the tournament with three defeats.'' Defender Marco Abreu, yet to appear in the finals, said Angola were excited to still be in with a chance of advancing.

''We need to believe in ourselves but the players also have to start scoring goals,'' said Abreu.

''All the players are very motivated after Angola's first point against Mexico and they would be very happy to stay in Germany longer.'' Abreu said he wanted Portugal to attack Mexico in their fixture.

''If Portugal win by two or three goals, we can go through,'' said the defender.

''I hope they play well and attack. We need a little bit of help from them but we have to do our job ourselves.'' REUTERS AY PM2012