Angola poised to qualify for ACN 2012

The Palancas Negras of Angola begin their campaign for the Gabon-Equatorial Guinea Orange CAN 2012 qualifiers this weekend in Kampala against the Cranes of Uganda. Guinea and Bissau are the teams that complete the quartet in Group J. The Palancas Negras, hosts of the last edition of the continental showpiece cannot afford to be absent at the next rendez-vous, after reaching the last eight on home soil.
Considering the fact that Manuel Jose did not bring the expected result, the Angolan Football Federation (FAF) has handed over the reigns of the team to Frenchman Herve Renard, who was hitherto in charge Zambia, who he led to the last eight. Since Renard took over in March, the team has played three matches starting with a 1-1 draw against Latvia in Luanda before stumbling against Mexico and the United States (0-1) before recently losing Uruguay 0-2 last August.
The team will be making a trip to Uganda this weekend to play its first match. The clash appears difficult considering the fact that the Ugandans side has been absent from the biennial event since since 1978, and won’t want to miss out again. The Frenchman named a preliminary 26-man squad, with young goalie Aldo Monteiro “Kadu” of FC Porto, 18-year old midfielder Osvaldo Diniz of Petro Atletico, Titi Buengo amongst others.
Renard has said that he is determined to revive the team with a blend of young and old faces.
The Palancas Negras assembled in Lubango on August 30 and leave for Kampala on September 2.