Akwa (Angola)

Fabrice Alcebiade Maieco — Akwa — is Angola’s longest-serving international, holding the record for the most appearances for the southern African country, as well as the most goals. The striker was once described as the ‘new Eusebio’ when he first moved to Portugal as a teenage prodigy. His strength, touch and powerful running have kept him among the list of Africa’s top footballers. The most decisive goal in Angolan football history came from Akwa, whose header catapulted the ‘Palancas Negras into the 2006 World Cup. The goal against Rwanda was the decisive touch which saw Angola emerge as group winners ahead of Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Mantorras (Angola)

Pedro Manuel Torres (born on March 18, 1982), is better known as Mantorras. He currently plays for Benfica, from Lisbon. He has drawn comparisons to Eusebio, another player from Portuguese Africa (Mozambique) who played for Benfica in the 1960s. He joined Benfica in 2001 after a great season in Alverca FC. In 2002, Mantorras suffered a serious knee injury, that almost put an end to his career. But, after two years of painful recovery, he returned to help Benfica win the 2004/05 Superliga. He was one of the best players in the Angolan team that was the first ever African Portuguese-speaking country to qualify for the World Cup, in 2006.