Fredy left the pitch proud yet heartbroken, accepting his Man of the Match award with mixed emotions after Angola’s dominant but goalless draw with Egypt.
Fredy’s reaction told the real story of Angola’s 0–0 draw with Egypt in Agadir, a night where personal honour could not hide deep disappointment. The midfielder drove Angola forward all game, forcing a spectacular save with a thunderous strike before crashing a free-kick against the woodwork, yet the goal he craved never came.
“I’m happy to receive this trophy because I gave everything tonight. But it’s difficult to talk about this award because it’s not what we wanted from this final match. We gave everything, we created chances, but we couldn’t score the goal we needed. And also because this is my last match for the national team, which makes me very sad,” he said.
“I’ve been part of this team for 12 years, and I know all of Angola will be sad. But I am 35 years old today and I gave everything with my heart for this team. My teammates will carry on the work. I am very proud to be Angolan and to have worn this shirt.”
