Angola superstar Manucho says the national team are "undergoing a rejuvenation process" following their 2-0 defeat to Africa Cup of Nations hosts South Africa on Wednesday.
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Bafana Bafana fired two unanswered goals past the Leopards in the second round of Group A matches, leaving Angola needing nothing less than victory in their final group stage match against Cape Verde to secure their place in the quarter-finals.
The Leopards squad boasts several young and inexperienced players, unlike the 2006 World Cup team, which Manucho feels has played a big role in their performances at this year's continental tournament.
"In 2006 we had a lot of experienced players, most of whom have since retired. This time around, that is not the case," Manucho told FIFA's official website.
"We have a young side that is undergoing a rejuvenation process. Many of these young players are playing in the tournament for the first time.
"It is quite normal that they will stumble now and then."
Looking back on the defeat to Bafana, he added: "We took too long to come into the game. South Africa went forward and by the time we finally started putting some pressure on them, it was too late.
"The huge crowd really got behind the team, and we did not get any of the breaks as often happens in these matches."
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