AFTER what they happened in their opening African Cup of Nations 2010 group match against Mali, hosts Angola did what they had to do in the second fixture against Malawi on Thursday.

The 3-0 win over Algeria in their opening fixture out Malawi under the spotlight more than they can possibly handle---and it was shown in the way, Angola brushed them aside with some bit of good African football.

Angola seemed home and dry with just 11 minute to go against Mali but a combination of poor defending, drop in concentration and a feeling, "at 4-0 the job is done and dusted” led to one of the worst collapse by any team in international football ever.

Against Mali, Palancas Negras (The Black Antelopes) were the better side and their performance until the fatal 79th minute was worthy the four-goal lead and their 2-0 win over Malawi should have sent a strong message to the rest of the competitors.

With four points, the hosts are in a strong position to progress to the quarterfinal the situation could change if they lose to Algeria on Monday and Malawi a get a good result over Mali.

The Black Antelopes will be concerned with the injury to key players Gilberto and Flavio, who both left leave the field seemingly in some pain.

Both players will be a big as their absence will take away something from the team’s central midfield and upfront.
Flavio has done bit, scoring three of the Angola’s six goals while Gilberto has been the enforcer in the midfield.

Algeria did their cause a bit of justice with a narrow 1-0 win over Mali but they know nothing has been won yet, because as a team going play at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, failure to go past the group stage in Angola won’t send a good message to their faithful.

Defeat against Angola, (who only need a draw to qualify) on Monday and Malawi manage a draw from their game with Mali on the same day; Algeria will be on the first flight back to home.

nku78@yahoo.com