AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONS

Malawi last played at the African Cup of Nations in 1984. Coincidentally enough, their first match then was against Algeria, and they lost 3-0. They managed to hold the Super Eagles of Nigeria to a draw in their next game, and finished off their group engagements with a loss against Ghana.

Malawi are not complete pushovers. They managed to draw with Ghana, Egypt and Ivory Coast- three of Africa’s biggest teams. Their biggest player is Essau Kanyenda, who plays for Russian side KAMAZ.

Algeria did not qualify for the last two African Cup of Nations. This time, they are being considered by bookies as dark horses. The Desert Foxes beat Egypt to a spot at the World Cup, and have some excellent players in their squad. The likes of Madjid Bougherra, Karim Ziani, Mourad Meghni and Nadir Belhadj are all players who could walk into any football side on their good days.

Algeria ought to get the better of Malawi in this game. Not by a big scoreline, but a goal or two should be enough to decide which way this game will go.

After last nights goal fest, between hosts Angola and mali (4-4) this will be much tighter. Go against the flow and back unders.

Published 11-01-2010

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