Angola captain Fabrice Akwa insists the Africans can mark their World Cup debut with an unexpected victory over former colonial rulers Portugal - even if coach Luis Goncalves is sceptical.

The poverty-stricken southern African nation is currently suffering from a cholera epidemic and the after-effects of a lengthy civil war, but the football team have a chance to make history in Cologne.

Goncalves admitted he would be happy to emulate fellow newcomers Trinidad and Tobago by holding out for an unlikely draw, but that was not good enough for Akwa, who had scored the goal that took them to Germany.

Akwa said: "Would I sign an agreement now to take a draw? No! I have my ambitions as a player and I am sure the team has the same ambitions.

"We know Portugal are strong and have good players but we have our qualities - and the target is all three points."

But while the 29-year-old, who is currently without a club, has set his sights high, the coach the players call "Professor" is less of a gambler.

"I would sign it, yes," he admitted of the hypothetical agreement. "We have our ambitions but we have to be realistic."

Trinidad's goalless draw against Sweden, despite playing almost an entire half a man down, had whetted Goncalves' appetite a little however.

He said: "When a little team raises its game to a higher level it is always encouraging. This match is going to be a special one - and anything could happen."

The two nations have met only twice since Angola was granted independence in 1975 and the last - a 5-1 home win in Lisbon in November 2001 - had to be abandoned with 20 minutes remaining after four Angolans were sent off.

That was before Goncalves took charge however and he is confident his players will behave impeccably on the big stage, despite centuries of animosity between the two nations.

He said: "As for Lisbon five years ago I don't think it will happen again.

"As a coach I have taken a team to Portugal three times and my players have always behaved well. Tomorrow there will not be a problem between the teams.

"My players are motivated and I want the country to feel proud of them after the match."