Former Angola midfielder Raul Neves Chipenda says the current team have a bright future despite enduring a disappointing 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

The 2-1 loss to Cape Verde on Sunday saw the Sable Antelopes dumped out of the continental championship, although for 82 minutes they were heading to the quarter-finals, along with South Africa, until two goals in quick succession saw the Blue Sharks claim their place in the last-eight.

Chipenda acknowledged that Cape Verde had played to their strengths on the night, but as a young team they will use this tournament as vital experience for their 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign.

And after their defeat on Sunday, Chipenda explained: “I think in this game Cape Verde had a very, very big team and they knew that was their weapon.