Angola 2-0 Malawi: Flávio, Manucho sends hosts to win

(GSM) – Angola bounced back from a difficult draw against Mali to earn a 2-0 victory over Malawi in the Afican Cup of Nations on Thursday, sending the hosts to the top of Group A.

Just four days after dropping a four-goal lead against Mali, hosts Angola came out strong but struggled to beat Malawi goalkeeper Swadick Sanudi in the opening half.

Flávio had a low drive stopped by Sanudi in the 28th minute, and striker Manucho had a point-blank effort parried away just five minutes later in what was Angola’s best chance of the half.

Despite their frustrations in the first half, Angola finally took the lead in the 48th minute when Flávio nodded past a rooted Sanudi after a fine cross from the right by Djalma.

Just five minutes later, Manucho got the goal he missed in the first half when he slotted past Sanudi after a lapse in defense by Peter Mponda.

Algeria’s win over Mali earlier on Thursday leaves Angola in first place on four points, with Malawi and Algeria behind on three points. Mali have just one point from their two games thus far.