Angola and Algeria both advanced to the quarter-finals of the African Nations Cup thanks to a goalless draw in Luanda, with Mali crashing out despite picking up their first win of the competition.
Mali's 3-1 victory over Malawi in the other Group A match meant a point apiece proved enough for Angola and Algeria in a game that started brightly before petering out in the second half.
A dream start for Mali helped them clinch a first pool win in Cabinda, but the result in Luanda meant both they and Malawi missed out on a place in the last eight.
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.
Russel Mwafulirwa pulled one back for Malawi after 58 minutes, but he will go to bed tonight ruing a missed header after 71 minutes which could have put his side through.
Instead, Mamadou Bagayoko added another for Mali with four minutes to play, but the result was of no use to either side.
Source: PA
