Angolan striker Manucho, suspended from the national team for arriving late for training, apologised on Monday in the hope of making it back to the squad.

"I apologise to the professor (coach), to my colleagues and in particular to the nation in general," state-owned news agency Angop quoted Manucho as saying.

Angola, who host the African Nations Cup from January 10-31 next year, have friendlies this month against Congo and Ghana. Coach Manuel Jose said last week Manucho, formerly of Manchester United and now at Spanish club Real Valladolid, would not play for his country again unless he apologised.