Criticised by the local media for the scoreless draw against Nigeria, Angola coach Ismael Kurtz insists that Nations Cup qualification remains on course.

"The draw was not the ideal result for us, but we have to put it behind us quickly and work harder towards the next game against Malawi.

"We must win that one to stay in contention," he said.

Kurtz justified the defensive formation used against the Nigerians in Luanda.

"You have to be careful and mark properly when playing against a very good Nigerian side, with fast strikers like Julius Aghahowa.

"But we got better when Flavio and Renato came in and we created a lot of chances. But that is over now."

Without star striker Pedro Mantorras and off-form skipper Fabrice Akwa, Angola lacked bite in attack.

But Kurtz hopes that Mantorras will recover in time for the 12 October game against Malawi in Blantyre.