Malawi 3 Algeria 0: Algerian Desert Foxes got first shock

Underdogs Malawi surprised Algeria’s Desert Foxes, thumping them 3-0 in a poorly-attended game in Luanda.   

• Russel Mwafulirwa capitalised on a defensive mix-up on 17 minutes, lashing home from a tight angle.
• Elvis Kafoteka then powered in a header to finish off a smart move from the Malawians on the left.
• David Banda took advantage of another defensive mix-up in the second half to roll the ball past Algerian goalkeeper Faouzi Chaouchi.
• The vast number of empty seats was in complete contrast with Sunday night’s opening game at the 11 November Stadium, when the tournament got off to a memorable start as Angola and Mali drew 4-4.
• However, Malawi defied their status as rank outsiders by going 3-0 up inside 50 minutes.
• Algeria had a decent penalty shout denied in the second half, but failed to offer much more in a disappointing performance.
• The result puts the Flames top of Group A ahead of Angola and Mali, and leaves World Cup qualifiers Algeria bottom.
• The Desert Foxes were tipped by some as potential winners, having travelled to Angola full of confidence after beating African champions Egypt in a World Cup qualifying play-off in November.