 Akwa was the Angolan hero, as he struck their historic winner |
Angola booked their place in their maiden World Cup finals when beating Rwanda 1-0 in Kigali but the Group Four leaders left it late. Nigeria had a foot in the World Cup in the final quarter of the game when they were leading Zimbabwe 4-1, a result which would have taken the Super Eagles to Germany 2006.
Angola were drawing at the time but with six minutes of the match left, Fabrice Akwa struck a goal that will long be celebrated in the southern African nation.
There were scenes of pandemonium in Kigali as Palancas Negras fans rushed onto the pitch to celebrate with their ecstatic players.
Some 600 Angolans travelled to the Rwandan capital, where Angolan officials waved their national flag in the air at full-time.
Both Angola and Nigeria ended the group with 21 points, but the Angolans went through courtesy of a superior head-to-head record in the matches played between the sides.
In Abuja, the Super Eagles eventually ran out 5-1 winners with goals from Yusuf Ayila, Nwankwo Kanu, Osaze Odemwingie and a brace from Obafemi Martins.
Forward Benjani Mwaruwari struck the consolation goal for the Warriors.
Angola are the first African side to qualify for Germany 2006, as their match finished before all the others.
MMIX
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Match of the Day - Post-match interviews 