Congo snatch late draw in Angola

Angola were held 1-1 by Congo Saturday before a large crowd who watched the 2010 African Nations Cup hosts play their first home game under Portuguese coach Manuel Jose.

Striker Flavio Amado opened the scoring in the second minute of the friendly at the Cidadela Stadium to rapturous applause and Angola dominated the first half with several attempts on goal.

The second half also began well for Angola, who had plenty of possession, but after a series of substitutions they seemed to lose their way and Ricardo Job was sent off after ‘diving’ led to a second caution.

Down to 10 men, the Palancas Negras (Black Antelopes) allowed Ladislas Douniama to tap home an easy equaliser in the first of two additional minutes.

“We are capable of playing a lot better than we did today. I?m a little disappointed for everybody: for the public, for myself, for the players, for their behaviour today,” said Jose.

Angola will play 2010 World Cup qualifiers Ghana next Wednesday in another friendly at the same venue. The games were supposed to have been played in the new Luanda stadium but construction is not complete.