After an extraordinary first round, Group A matches resume with two decisive clashes on Thursday. World Cup finalists Algeria lock horns with Mali, while hosts Angola take on Malawi in Luanda.
The Fennecs of Algeria are in a must-win situation after their shock 3-0 defeat to Malawi, coupled by a dismal performance from Rabah Saadane’s team.
On the contrary, the Malians are boosted by a staggering fightback against Angola, which saw them come back from four goals down to settle the score in the final 11 minutes.
Hosts Angola, on the other hand, must have learned something out of the 4-4 thriller last Sunday, and coach Manuel Jose has certainly given his players some hard talk before they face Malawi.
The Malawians, who shouldn’t be called ‘minnows’ anymore after they outclassed Algeria, face another tough test against the Palancas Negras.
Algeria
“We promise to redeem ourselves. We will prepare for the match against Mali, which must be won, and then we will have to negotiate the Angola game. But the priority now is to win against Mali,” said Algeria goalkeeper Faouzi Chaouchi, who leaked in three goals from Malawi.
Team News: Lazio midfielder Mourad Meghni has been ruled out for the rest of the competition with a knee injury. Influential center-half Antar Yahia is also unlikely to play.
Midfielder Khaled Lemmouchia was allowed to return home for personal reasons.
JoseSaadane implied that he could be making a number of changes to the side that got thrashed by Malawi.
Star Player: Despite being far from effective against Malawi, Karim Ziani remains Algeria’s primary hope if they aim to get anything out of this tournament.
Player to watch: Portsmouth full-back Nadir Belhadj is a constant threat from the left flank.
Mali
“Algeria may be in the World Cup but they are in a tricky situation. Our position is more favorable. The pressure is greater for them because, if they drop points against us, qualification for the next round will be tough,” said Mali ace Seydou Keita.
Team News: Midfield marvel Keita is set to start after fully recovering from a thigh injury.
Star Player: The Eagles’ all-time top goalscorer Frederic Kanoute has the quality to steer his team to victory with his aerial presence and clinical finishing.
Player to watch: It has to be Keita, who proved how valuable he is for Stephen Keshi’s team when he came off the bench to score twice versus Angola.
Angola
The Flames of Malawi“We will have to be mentally very strong to survive that (the late draw with Mali) – I think we’ll be all right. I have a fantastic group of players. I said after the match that in over one thousand games I’ve never seen anything like that last 15 minutes – I still feel that now,” said Angola boss Manuel Jose.
Team News: Jose has doubts over the fitness of defenders Dede and Gilberto.
Star Player: Valladolid striker Manucho didn’t have the best of games against Mali, but is still Angola’s top player.
Player to watch: After his brilliant double in the opening game, former Ahli hitman Flavio proved yet again that he is deadly in the air.
Malawi
“We are outsiders in this competition but we played well in our first match and I congratulate my players. Our aim in the group is to get as many victories as possible, so we will fight for a win and will be very positive if we get through to the quarter-finals,” said manager Kinnah Phiri.
Star Player: Striker Russell Mwafulirwa is the Flames’ target man upfront; he scored the vital opener against Algeria.
Player to watch: Efficient forward Chiukepo Msowoya is usually used as a second-half sub, yet he was Malawi’s top scorer in the qualifiers and could be dangerous when he comes on.
