Angola blow four-goal lead in 11 minutes

HOSTS Angola let a 4-0 lead slip in the closing 11 minutes as Mali somehow fought back to earn a draw in an astonishing opening to the African Cup of Nations last night.

However, the word disaster could never to be attributed to Angola's capitulation given the tragic events which unfolded in the country just two days previously when three people were killed following an ambush on the Togo team bus.

Striker Flavio put the hosts in command when he headed two goals in quick succession late in the first-half, before Gilberto added the third with a twice-taken penalty midway through the second-half. Former Manchester United striker Manucho converted a second penalty to put Angola 4-0 ahead and seemingly destined to get off to a winning start.

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Mali, hugely disappointing until then, hit back in the 79th minute through Barcelona's Seydou Keita. Sevilla striker Frederic Kanoute headed another two minutes from time in the before Keita and substitute Mustapha Yatabare capped a remarkable fightback with stoppage-time goals.

The tournament had been thrown into doubt after Friday's attack on the Togo team bus in the enclave of Cabinda in which the driver was killed along with two members of the Togolese delegation.

However, Angolans, determined to portray their country in a good light, flocked to the 50-000 seat stadium in Luanda for the opening ceremony, featuring an impressive fireworks display, which preceded the match.

"This is a day to remember. The whole world is watching and we know the tournament will be a success," said Angola supporter Landira Silva, 22.

Both teams held a minute of silence for members of the Togo team who were killed in Angola's northern province of Cabinda by gunmen the government said were separatist insurgents.

Angola: Carlos Alberto, Kali, Marques, Stelvio Cruz, Xara, Dede (Djalma 25), Zuela, Gilberto (Guilherme 81), Mabina, Flavio (Love 83), Manucho. Subs not used: Lama, Jamuana, Caires, Magalhaes, Job, Johnson, Mantorras, Alegre, Ze Kalanga.

Mali: Sidibe, Diamoutene, Berthe, Tamboura, Soumare, Diarra, El Hadj Traore, Bakaye Traore (Fane 57), Bagayoko (Yatabare 75), Modibo Maiga (Keita 34), Kanoute. Subs Not Used: Diakite, Diallo, Abdallaye Maiga, Ndiaye, Samassa, Mohamed Sissoko, Oumar Sissoko, Sow, Abdou Traore.