The first game of the day saw Mali – who had previously drawn 4-4 with hosts Angola – play Algeria. The Algerians needed a win from this game if they were to stand any chance of qualifying past the group stage after a very disappointing 3-0 defeat to Group A outsiders Malawi.
The game was played with a great deal of apprehension as neither sides wanted to lose. The Malians started better but their play quickly faded as the two sides began to cancel each other out. The decisive moment came two minutes before Half-time when Halliche poached the end of a free kick to put the Algerians ahead and claim the only goal of the game.
This 1-0 victory saved Algeria but it puts Mali in a very precarious position at the bottom of the group. They will need other results to go their way if they want to qualify and will be looking for a victory in their final game against Malawi.
Angola were up against Malawi next and were looking for a win which would see them into the next round. After losing a 4-0 lead in eleven minutes against Mali their confidence was still a bit shaky but Malawi were brimming with confidence after their 3-0 thumping of Algeria.
Flavio opened the scoring four minutes into the second half for the home team as the little attacker became the top goalscorer in the competition with what was his third strike. Tensions were still high in the packed stadium but were eased somewhat when powerful forward Manucho bagged the second goal of the game six minutes later.
Despite worries that they would crumble again the Angolans held on well and claimed the victory, moving to the top of the table and more or less guaranteeing themselves a place in the next round.
