Bouaké - The former skipper of Angola senior men’s national football team, Alcebíades Maieco “Akwá”, told ANGOP on Sunday that he feels honored and valued for the invitation to attend the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN'2023) taking place in Côte d'Ivoire.
Invited as an ambassador for the Africa Football Confederation (CAF), Akwá speaks in recognition of all he has done as a player for the national teams and clubs in Europe and Asia.
The biggest reference in Angolan football history in recent decades, the former player recalls that this is the second time he has been recognized for his achievements in football after in 2022 being invited by the Qatar Confederation to attend the World Cup hosted by the Arab nation.
After 13 years of suspension from all football activities, as part of an accusation of abandonment by Al-Wakra (Qatar) to perform for the national team in CAN`2006, the former striker will remain in Côte d`Ivoire until January 27, when the initial phase of the competition is ended.
Regarding Monday's challenge between Angola and Algeria, for the 1st round of group D, the former forward said this will not be an easy task to start the race with a strong title candidate.
Akwá said Algeria is clearly superior in terms of ranking, in addition to having players of recognized technical value, adding that Angola have arguments to counter the opponent.
The former deputy of the National Assembly (AN) said that starting the competition against a “giant” of African football with a victory or draw, in the worst case scenario, would be like a gift for Angolans who love football.
During his stay in Côte d`Ivoire, the ANGOP source said that he will possibly participate in a game between “stars” of continental football, highlighting, however, that the activity has yet to be confirmed by the CAF. MC/CF/AMP
