Angola defender Rui Marques believes African football is "going to the right place" after his team's sterling defensive display in the 0-0 draw with World Cup Group D rivals Mexico kept their hopes of reaching the last 16 intact.

The 2006 World Cup has not so far been a successful one for African sides with experienced World Cup campaigners Tunisia's 2-2 draw with Saudi Arabia the only time a team from that continent had avoided defeat prior to the match in Hanover when, following the sending-off of Andre, 10-man Angola survived a furious Mexican second-half onslaught.

Barring Tunisia, the other four African nations in Germany are all World Cup debutants but the Ivory Coast have already been eliminated while Ghana, Togo and the Angolans, beaten 1-0 by former colonial power Portugal in their first match, all got off to losing starts.

Rui Marques believes the tide is now starting to turn as the newcomers acclimatise to the rarified atmosphere of their first World Cup adventure.

The Hull City defender said: "I believe we (Africa) can be successful. We have many good qualities although there is still a big difference between us and European football.

"But Africa is going to the right place and this is a good result for us and it gives us a chance of going further in the competition."

With historic African heavyweights Cameroon, Nigeria, Senegal and Morocco all having failed to qualify, the four novice African teams are still finding their feet at this level.

"We improved compared to our first game," said the defender. "This was a very difficult game but very positive for us."

Marques, who came on as a substitute to shore up the Angolan defence against the Mexicans, admitted the Black Antelopes would now have to raise their game again and score goals in order to get the victory they need against Iran to have hopes of progressing - although that would depend on what happened in the Portugal v Mexico game.

"The group is very, very concentrated on winning the next game and there is everything to play for. We have a great chance of getting to the next round."

He dismissed any notion that the Portuguese and Mexicans might not go all out for a win in their final match against each other if the mathematics meant that a draw would suit both sides.

"I don't think they will do this," said the 28-year-old.

"I think Portugal and Mexico will both try and win the game so I don't expect to see them do this.

"But we must not worry about what they will do and must think only about ourselves.

"I am glad to have had the opportunity to play," said Rui Marques who did not feature against Portugal. "I want this adventure to continue."