Man gets 24 years for attack

Updated: December 30, 2010, 9:52 AM ET
Associated Press

LUANDA, Angola -- An Angolan court has sentenced a man to 24 years in prison following the attack on Togo's national soccer team earlier this year that killed two people and left eight others wounded, including a goalkeeper.

Jean Antuan Pwaty, 42, a Congolese citizen, was convicted of murder, armed rebellion and attempted murder, local radio reported Wednesday. His lawyers said they would appeal the sentence.

The team from the West African nation of Togo was traveling overland to the African Cup of Nations tournament in Angola in January when the bus came under a hail of gunfire in Angola's restive Cabinda region.

A Togo team coach and a media official were killed. Among the wounded was Togolese goalkeeper Kodjovi Obilale, who suffered spinal injuries. He says he does not expect to return to soccer but hopes to one day walk again.


Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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