 28/03/2008 09:46, Report by Tomoo Aoyama, Tokyo
Manucho stars in TokyoUnited's on-loan striker Manucho helped Angola earn a 1-1 draw against Japan's Under-23 side at the Tokyo National Stadium this week.
The 25-year-old forward, who joined the Reds in January and is now gaining first-team experience with Greek side Panathinaikos, played 78 minutes of the friendly match in Japan’s capital.
The home nation, using the game as part of their warm-up for the Olympic Games in Beijing this summer, took the lead after 52 minutes when Yuto Nagatomo cut in from the right flank and fired his side into the lead.
Japan dominated much of the match against an Angolan side that looked tired from travelling. But on 76 minutes it was a moment of Manucho magic that turned his team's fortunes around.
The powerful front man burst between two Japanese defenders, before crossing for Janji to equalise for the visitors. Manucho was substituted shortly after on 78 minutes, but he had certainly impressed the locals.
Japan and Kashima Antlers centre-half, Yohei Inoha, was very impressed with the United striker’s display, saying: “Manucho seemed as if he was still suffering jet-lag from the long journey here.
"It was the first time I have played against a player like him. His pace, power and dribbling skills are amazing.” |
發表於 2008-3-28 09:19 PM
| 
