Ivory Coast held, Malawi shock Algeria

TOURNAMENT favourites Ivory Coast were held to a goalless draw by a stubborn Burkina Faso in their opening African Nations Cup Group B match at the Estadio do Cabinda last night.

Vahid Halilhodzic’s team dominated possession but could not find the cutting edge to break down a determined Burkinabe defence despite an impressive frontline of Didier Drogba, Bakari Kone and Gervinho.

Chelsea striker Drogba had an early shout for a penalty after a sliding challenge from Paul Koulibaly, but the appeals were rejected.

Arsenal’s Emmanuel Eboue looked to be caught in the area by Mamadou Tall after 20 minutes but again the referee was unmoved.

Drogba did test Diakite in the 85th minute but the Burkinabe goalkeeper was equal to his snap-shot from a tight angle as the Ivorians’ frustration continued.

IVORY COAST: Boubacar Copa, Toure, Toure Yaya, Eboue, Bamba, Tiene, Zokora, Tiote (Dindane 81), Gervinho (Kalou 73), Bakari Kone (Keita 69), Drogba.

BURKINA FASO: Diakite, Bakary Kone, Koulibaly (Gnanou 46), Panandetiguiri, Tall, Kabore, Kere, Pitroipa, Rouamba, Dagano (Yssouf Kone 81), Yameogo (Bamogo 62).

Malawi 3 Algeria 0

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

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

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

MALAWI: Sanudi, Kafoteka, Mponda, Chavula, Sangala, Mwakasungula, Kamwendo, Banda (Ngambi 51), Wadabwa (Zakazaka 77), Mwafulirwa (Chiukepo 64), Kanyenda.

ALGERIA: Chaouchi, Zaoui, Halliche, Bougherra, Belhadj, Yebda, Ziani, Matmour (Bezzaz 62), Mansouri, Ghezzal (Bouazza 79), Saifi (Ziaya 63).

Referee: Badara Diatta (Senegal).