From: William Ezah, GNA Special Correspondent in Luanda, Angola, courtesy Ministry of Youth and Sports)

Luanda, Angola, Jan. 24, GNA - Angola captain Carlos Manuel Gon=E7alves Alonso, has said he expects a tough encounter on Sunday's quarter-final clash with Ghana's Black Stars.

The Palancas Negras faces four-time winners Ghana in the first quarterfinal match at the November 11 Stadium in Luanda, with their minds pecked on a historic place at the last four.

"Ghana is a great football country and we are aware it will be very tough. We will have to be at the top of our game, both mentally and physically to beat them," Kali told a press conference at the Carlo Tropical Hotel in Luanda.

The skipper nicknamed "Kali" said he reckoned a tough battle citing Ghana's background as a football powerhouse as one of the contributing factors.

The 31-year old central defender currently without a club after being released by French Ligue Two outfit Arles Avignon, also said the return of compatriots striker Flavio Amado and midfielder Dede would be crucial to their progress.

The duos missed the last game against Algeria and are racing in timeto be fit for the last eight clashes. Desc ribing their performance so far as satisfactory, Kali said they wanted to go a step further.

"I'm proud of my country, of what we have achieved so far, and we want to do more. Playing at home we are almost obliged to win.

If we get through the quarter-final, anything can happen," he said. The encounter is the first ever between the two sides at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The winner will face the winner of the Cote d'Ivoire - Algeria clash= at the semi-final stage.