“Angola and Algeria both advanced to the quarter-finals of the African Nations Cup thanks to a goalless draw in Luanda.
With Mali beating Malawi in the other Group A match, a point apiece proved enough in a game that started brightly before petering out in the second half. The hosts went into the match top of the pool and knowing a draw would be enough to guarantee their progress.” (ESPN)

Angola 0-0 Algeria
“A goalless draw in Luanda was enough to see hosts Angola and World Cup-bound Algeria through to the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations. Angola finished top of Group A while Algeria took second thanks to their win over Mali earlier in the tournament. Algeria’s best chances came from Madjid Bougherra, with a weak close-range effort, and Karim Matmour, who failed to connect in front of an open goal.” (BBC)

Mali 3 – 1 Malawi
“A dream start for Mali gave them a first win in this year’s African Nations Cup, but Angola’s goalless draw with Algeria meant both they and Malawi missed out on a place in the quarter-finals.
Frederic Kanoute scored after just a minute thanks to a goalkeeping blunder from Swadick Sanudi and Seydou Keita added a second with a thumping free-kick two minutes later.” (ESPN)

African Nations Cup – 2010
(ESPN)

“Part of the brilliance of the Africa Cup of Nations is the way it puts the diverse stories of the continent on vivid display. Consider, for example, the contrasts in the tournament opener on January 10th when host Angola plays Mali. Angola’s story is one of hope for the future—having only recently emerged from a 27 year civil war after decades of Portuguese colonialism, Angola is flush with natural resources, one of the fastest growing economies in the world, four glistening new soccer stadiums built by Chinese friends, and immense potential both on and off the pitch.” (Pitch Invasion)

“The wailing and gnashing of teeth amongst Premier League bosses over the loss of players to the upcoming African Nations Cup in Angola is a sight to behold. Players were signed in full knowledge of their nationalities, and there have been the typical range of myopic comments about the competition’s timing fail to take into account the impact of rainy seasons and heightened temperatures in the summer months (although Angola, south of the Equator as it is, might be little steamy this January).” (thetwounfortunates)

“The following pictures are taken from Dream and Goals: The World Cup and World Football 1990-2010 (Dewi Lewis Publishing; http://www.dewilewispublishing.com), which showcases hundreds of photographs of passionate football fans around the world, taken by Alistair Berg. A riot policeman shares the moment of euphoria as supporters spill on to the pitch to celebrate Burkina Faso qualifying for the semi-finals of the African Cup of Nations (Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, 1998).” (Telegraph)