Lubango: Desportivo da Hula's coach, Paulo Torres, stated this Friday that Acad©mica do Lobito deserves respect, despite occupying the last place. In statements to the press, in the preview of the fifth round of the Liga Unitel Girabola 2026/27, which takes place on Sunday at the Est¡dio Nacional da Tundavala, he acknowledged that Acad©mica do Lobito did not start the championship well, despite the quality of the squad which demands maximum concentration.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Paulo Torres emphasized that Acad©mica do Lobito is a good team with skilled players, but their current position in the standings is not reflective of their potential. He noted that the team's poor start to the championship was surprising given their capabilities.
Torres highlighted that the victory against Ca¡la in the previous round offered a smoother physical and mental recovery for the team after a long trip. "When you win, recovery becomes easier. The players are doing well, happy and satisfied, and the atmosphere around the team is positive," he explained.
He assured that the squad is ready for the challenge, with no players experiencing muscle fatigue, attributing this to the work done during the week. Regarding the team's ability to react after conceding the first goal, Torres pointed out the collective organization and concentration demonstrated in the victory against Ca¡la.
Desportivo da Hula managed to turn the score around and win, with goals from Mira and Adol, a result that Torres credited to collective skill and the impact of the substitutions. With six points, Desportivo da Hula occupies eighth position in the Girabola 2026/27, while Acad©mica do Lobito remains in last place.
