Accra — In Group D, Angola and Tunisia emerged as the clear frontrunners to qualify for the quarterfinals by defeating Senegal and South Africa respectively.
Angola's Palancas Negras (Black Antelopes) turned out to be this year's surprise team as they inflicted a 3-1 defeat on Senegal on Sunday after a 1-1 draw against South Africa.
Hopes were initially high for Senegal, who scored first with an early kick from Abdoulaye Diagne Faye at the 19th minute and led 1-0 at half time. But Angola deployed a radically different game plan for the second half.
Highly motivated and concentrated, Palancas Negras got the better of Senegal, who soon appeared intimidated, particularly in defense, where they lost encounters with more combative Angolans.
Angola's deliverance came through Manchester United's Manucho, who scored twice. Things turned really sour for Senegal when Angola's Flavio followed Manucho's lead, taking the score to a hefty 3-1.
Angola's next game against Tunisia will likely be a fight for the position of group leader that should see both teams qualify for the next round.
Relief for Tunisia
Tunisia's Carthage Eagles are also building a reputation. Their 3-1 win over South Africa after a 2-2 draw against Senegal brought relief to a team that is known to play at its best only at home.
Coach Roger Lemerre of France has seen to it that the current Tunisian team emulates the harmonious, comprehensive team that won the 2004 Nations Cup. Their main asset is Francileudo Santos, a straight scorer full of confidence. His contribution is boosted by the presence of young players such as Chikaoui, Traoui and Chermiti, who are playing in their first Nations Cup this year.
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Senegal, South Africa on their way home
Senegal's Lions of Teranga, much like Morocco's Atlas Lions, are this tournament's disappointment. How could they lose 1-3 to Angola after leading 1-0 at half time?
Coach Henry Kasperzack, who has now resigned, has to answer for his mistakes in selection, particularly his strategic choice of older players such as El Hadj Diouf, Pape Bouba Diop, Henry Camara, Lamine Diatta and Habib Bèye, who were all at their peak during the 2002 World Cup.
Even if all is not lost in theory, very few expect Senegal to qualify to go forward. They would have to score a big win over South Africa, and Angola or Tunisia would have to suffer a big defeat.
South Africa's Bafana Bafana arrived in Ghana with modest ambitions, viewing the tournament as a preparation for the 2010 tournaments, including the World Cup they will be hosting. Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira is expected to remain, and to try to use the team’s early elimination into an opportunity to make adjustments for 2010.
