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World Cup qualifying: Angola take step closer to World Cup finals [Mon Sep 5th, 2005]
Luanda (Reuters) - Angola are one win away from qualifying for the World Cup finals for the first time after a 3-0 home victory over Gabon.
African zone Group Four leaders Angola are now three points clear of their nearest challengers Nigeria, who were playing away against Algeria later on, and Zimbabwe.
A win in their final qualifier in Rwanda on October 9 will secure a berth in the 2006 finals in Germany for the Angolans, who survived an early penalty appeal before beating Gabon.
Frantic appeals for handball were turned down by the referee before Gabon's Rene Nsi Akoue deflected an effort from Mendonca into his own net for Angola's opening goal in the 22nd minute.
Benfica striker Mantorras added a second just before half-time, with substitute Ze Kalanga scoring the final goal at the final whistle.
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