Cameroon
“Anyone fancying a flutter on an African team to do the unthinkable and win this year’s World Cup may be thinking twice about dipping into their pocket after the first round of matches in the Nations Cup. So far, little Malawi – the tournament’s rank outsiders – have managed to muster more points than the combined tally earned by World Cup finalists Algeria, Cameroon, Ivory Coast and Nigeria.” (BBC – Piers Edwards)

African viewpoint: Soccer power
“In our series of viewpoints from African journalists, Sola Odunfa considers the power of football in Nigeria and why it is the opium of the masses. Once again it is time for mass hysteria in Nigeria. The only enterprise that pulls Nigerians together irrespective of ethnicity, religion or politics is under way.” (BBC)

Algeria stay in the hunt
“Algeria kept their hopes of progress in the African Nations Cup alive as they edged past Mali in Cidadela .
England’s World Cup opponents had lost 3-0 to Malawi in their opening Group A encounter but Rafik Halliche’s header saw them bounce back in style.” (ESPN)

Dhaouadi earns point
“Zambia and Tunisia failed to take advantage of Group D rivals Cameroon’s shock African Nations Cup loss to Gabon as the two nations had to settle for a 1-1 draw in Lubango.” Algeria stay in the hunt
(ESPN)