Malawi 3-0 Algeria
Malawi - 99th in the world rankings - claimed a shock win over 26th-placed Algeria
Monday, 11, Jan 2010 03:52
By Alistair Potter.
England's World Cup 2010 opponents Algeria have slumped to a humiliating 3-0 defeat to minnows Malawi in their opening game of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Playing in their first Cup of Nations since 1984 - and only their second finals tournament ever - Malawi capitalised on a lacklustre performance from their highly ranked opponents in front of a near-empty stadium in the capital Luanda.
Algeria qualified for the World Cup later this year after beating reigning African champions Egypt in a one-off match last November and face the USA and Slovenia as well as Fabio Capello's men in group B.
But they looked a shadow of the well-organised team that secured their passage to South Africa, being punished three times for their mistakes at the back and squandering opportunities at the other end.
Kinnah Phiri's side grabbed a shock lead when IFK Norrkoping striker Russell Mwafulirwa - the only player in the squad who plies his trade outside Africa - converted from inside the box.
The fans that actually turned out to watch had barely recovered from the surprise opener when Elvis Kafoteka doubled the lead - firing home a bullet header for the Flames from 12 yards out.
Malawi were enjoying the lion's share of possession, despite the high-profile players in Algeria's team who looked punch-drunk for most of the first period.
With many expecting an Algerian backlash in the second half, the third goal was arguably the most surprising of all.
Confusion in the box from a cross saw both goalkeeper and defender miss the ball, and although Mwafulirwa's shot came back off the post midfielder Davie Banda followed in to slot home.
Algeria enjoyed far more possession from this point on as they pressed forward but ultimately failed to take advantage despite chances for Portsmouth's Hassan Yebda and Blackpool's Hammeur Bouazza.
The result means Malawi win their first ever game at the Africa Cup of Nations and sit top of the Group A table after the first round of games.
Hosts Angola and tournament dark horses Mali played out a thrilling 4-4 draw in the opening match on Sunday night.