Malawi 3 - 0- Algeria: Bad start for Bougherra as Algeria suffer shock defeat

Published on Monday 11 January 2010 22:05

MALAWI stunned Algeria at a near-deserted 11 November stadium as the unpredictable start to the African Nations Cup continued.

Algeria began the match as clear favourites, but were 2-0 down by half-time thanks to goals from Russel Mwafulirwa and Elvis Kafoteka.

Dave Banda added a third after 49 minutes to end any thoughts of an Algeria comeback.

Sunday's 4-4 draw between hosts Angola and Mali did not appear to have captured the public's imagination as the players kicked off in Luanda in front of rows and rows of empty seats.

Malawi surprised their opponents in the 17th minute when they took the lead in somewhat fortuitous fashion. Algeria goalkeeper Faouzi Chaouchi attempted to clear a long ball but only succeeded in smashing the ball straight into the advancing Essau Kanyenda. The ball broke to Mwafulirwa, who gleefully hammered the ball home.

Ten minutes before the break it was 2-0 as Kafoteka rose highest to head home Hellings Mwakasungula's cross following a short corner. And Algeria's day got even worse four minutes after the break. Chaouchi flapped at a cross and the ball fell to Mwafulirwa. His shot hit the post and an attempted clearance from Bougherra broke to Banda, who finally smashed the ball home.