Angola in a difficult situation

The Palancas are in a difficult position in the WC qualifiers, following their draw with Uganda at home (0-0).
With two games remaining in the group, they need to get a positive result against Benin away from home to stand a realistic chance of qualifying, as well as beating Niger at home.

Despite the fact that they lost 3-0 in Luanda, Benin are not a weak team. In fact, many consider them to be trickier than Uganda.
In that match, the players have to go into the match with the right attitude and the Palancas will certainly be hoping to have striker Manucho fit to play the match. A win will more than ensure qualification but a draw is the most probable result. If they fail to gain at least a point in that match, then the heat will be on! (on the coach Goncalves mostly!!!).

The other match against Niger will definately be easier if they get a good result in Benin. Niger have lost all their qualification matches so far and are likely to defend with all their might in the final match to gain at least a point.

If Angola lose to Benin, they will have to depend on Uganda failing to beat both Niger (odds: 1000-1) and Benin. In other words, Angola will be out of the WC in the preliminary stages!

The Palancas will certainly have to show more commitment and technique if they are to get a result in Benin. The excuses for failing to beat Uganda at home include the fact that the referees were late in arriving to the country, forcing the match to be postponed to the next day (it distracted the players) and of course the classic excuse “injuries to key players”.

My prediction to the Palancas next qualification match: Angola 2-2 Benin (more wishful thinking than prediction, considering Angola’s recent form)