 Fabrice Akwa led his team to victory over Mauritius |
Angola captain Fabrice Akwa scored a hat-trick as his side overwhelmed Mauritius 5-1 in their Cosafa Cup semi-final in Maseru on Saturday.
Angola, fielding a weakened side for southern Africa's regional competition, were forced to fight back after conceding a goal 75 seconds into the match with Akwa completing his hat-trick inside 55 minutes.
Debutants Mateus and substitute Love added the last two goals to book a place for Angola in Sunday's final of the mini-tournament in Lesotho.
For Akwa, who has been without a club since his contract at Al Wakhda of Qatar was cancelled in February, the hat-trick reinforced his dominant role in the side.
"I have continued to work and the fact that I don't have a club doesn't matter."
"I still give my best efforts to the national side," he added.
Coach Luis Oliveira Goncalves, although content with the result, said he was unhappy with the way his players slacked off in the second half against timid opponents.
"But this is all very good preparation for the World Cup," he said.
Angola will play the hosts, who beat Mozambique 5-4 on penalties after a goalless draw in the second semi-final.
The winner of that encounter will then compete in August's semi-finals of the competition.